As we return from our summer, we are now experiencing the effects of the changes and modifications this new federal administration has made. Some new improvements, specifically, have created lots of questions. The new administration, through its actions and legislation, is cracking down on immigration, and many parents, students and staff in schools across the country have been feeling scared over the threat of deportation.
Even though it may seem like Immigrations and Customs Enforcement raid incidents are far away and improbable, the threat of ICE coming to schools has become more of a reality. In January, the federal administration repealed a policy from 2011 that would have protected schools and other sensitive locations from ICE, enabling these deportations and raids.
Just last year, there was suspicion that ICE was near SMHS, “there was a student who notified administration about a suspicious vehicle with government plates,” in the adjacent “adult school parking lot,” says Yvonne Shiu, San Mateo High School principal.
The threat of ICE Raids not only affected high schoolers, just a few months prior, ICE agents made multiple attempts to enter elementary schools, including some in Los Angeles, which sparked protest from the community.
According to our district page, all Immigration agents will be turned away until they receive proper authorization from the superintendent’s office and will not be provided with students’ personal information.
School administrators will be notified if ICE attempts to enter the school. If ICE does not comply, the school will enter lockdown until further notice, with the district website stating that “the police department will show up, and we will be in lockdown until the all clear.”
We spoke with Lauren Ponti, the ELD Assistant Principal, who spoke about different resources for students. For example, if ICE isn’t directly on campus, but is nearby, notify the school admin, and they’ll validate the report and set a safe plan for students to leave school without being stopped by ICE.
Ms. Ponti also spoke about necessary precautions and safety measures like setting a family plan. “It’s a good tool that our staff can provide to students,” and “it’s a way for families to prepare in case something does happen,” she comments.
If ever in doubt, our on-site wellness counselors are always open to supporting students afraid of being stopped by ICE, and the administration will provide resources available for students to protect themselves.