Wisconsin schools try to reassure immigrant families after flood of executive orders

As President Donald Trump released a number of executive orders limiting immigration and ramping up deportation, many Wisconsin school districts are trying to reassure immigrant parents that schools are a safe place for their children. 

“We’re going to stand our ground on this,” said Milwaukee Public School District board member Henry Leonard. “We have to take a stand here, because it’s our community, but it’s also Christian to protect the least. This is about human rights.” 

MPS created a policy in 2017 during Trump’s first presidency designating all MPS sites a “safe haven” for all students and families who live in the U.S. without legal permission. 

Henry said that policy remains in place. About 30 percent of MPS students are Hispanic.

If Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrive at a school, they will not be permitted inside and will be redirected to the district’s central office, Leonard said. 

What has changed under Trump’s new administration?

Under previous administrations, including the first Trump administration, ICE was prohibited from arresting individuals on immigration violations in certain environments including schools, hospitals and places of worship.

The Trump Administration rescinded that ICE policy guidance this month.

Geoffrey Lacy is an attorney with Madison-based Renning, Lewis & Lacy that represents about 200 school districts.

He said it’s reasonable for families to be concerned, but school officials are not obligated to open up their facilities without a warrant signed by a judge.

Lacy said many of Trump’s immigration policies are designed to put pressure on immigrants lacking permanent legal status so they choose to leave the country on their own.

“I think the practical reality is schools are not a very efficient location for typical ICE enforcement initiatives,” Lacy said. “They are looking at targeted locations where they have high volumes of high interest folks where they can make arrests and make headlines. Generally speaking, your schools are not going to be those locations.”

Still, immigrants across the country are anxious over Trump’s rapid changes to policy, leading to confusion and some false reports.

Chicago Public Schools admitted a “misunderstanding” last week Friday after initially reporting ICE had attempted to enter an elementary school. It was in fact the U.S. Secret Service investigating a threat.

The state Department of Public Instruction sent a message to administrators late last week telling them it is monitoring the fast-moving situation. DPI also sent districts information about their legal rights, including that a learner has the right to enroll in a public school regardless of citizenship status.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive without fear or discrimination,” State Superintendent Jill Underly said in a statement. “When we open schools to immigration raids, that hurts the kids targeted, but it also hurts every other child who might be incorrectly targeted, who is traumatized by the raid, and who will lose valued friends and teachers.” 

On Tuesday, state Sen. Tim Carpenter, D-Milwaukee, and state Rep. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez, D-Milwaukee, are planning a press conference at the state Capitol to discuss how Wisconsin schools, churches and health care providers can protect themselves against immigration raids. 

How are Wisconsin School Districts handling the changes?

Like MPS, other Wisconsin school districts are reaching out to parents to assure them the safety and security of students and staff is top of mind. 

The Green Bay Area Public School District told parents that students will not be allowed to meet with non-school officials without parent or guardian consent. 

“We are committed to maintaining safe and welcoming schools, where our students and staff are engaged in learning,” the Green Bay School District stated. “(Green Bay schools’) mission is to educate all students to be college, career and community ready, inspired to succeed in our diverse world, and this remains our focus along with the well-being of each and every student and staff member.”

The Madison Metropolitan School District and Jefferson School Board plan to address the issue this week. Both districts have policies in place similar to MPS.

Drew Halbesma, superintendent of the Delavan-Darien School District, where 53 percent of the students are Hispanic, said he recognizes the growing fear and uncertainty among many families due to changes in immigration policy. 

“The possibility of mass deportations has raised significant concerns for many of our students, staff and families,” Halbesma said. “We are unwavering in our commitment to fostering a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for all students. We believe all students deserve the opportunity to learn without fear and to feel valued and respected as members of our school community.”