ICE removing immigrant students

Tulsa Public Schools are fearing ICE officers coming into schools and removing immigrant children.

Rumors spreading throughout Tulsa suggest US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers could raid schools and take immigrant students into custody according to News Channel 8. Green County district schools expressed their fears to News Channel 8 that if the rumors are true this would indicate that Donald Trump’s massive deportation plan will go ahead according to News Channel 8. Schools in the Green County district include Beggs Public Schools, Dewar Public Schools, Henryetta Public Schools, Morris Public Schools, Preston Public Schools, Okmulgee Public Schools, Schulter Public Schools and Wilson Public Schools.
Tulsa School Board Vice President John Croisant said that over 30% of the students are Hispanic and recently they have “seen a reduction of students since the Christmas break that have unenrolled” according to News Channel 8. Croisant further expressed his concerns as to why students may be leaving the school and believes it could be because of threats against families and their children according to News Channel 8. However, according to TPS, the district does not have an exact number or reasoning as to why students have switched according to News Channel 8. The district does not ask for immigration status so they cannot stand by any number until they get more information. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters recently told News Channel 8 that he supports Trump’s plan for ICE invading schools. Walters said, “As there’s an illegal immigration population there that needs to have reinforcements there to remove them from the schools absolutely, we’ll work with them to carry that out” according to News Channel 8. Walters stated in a mass email on Friday, Jan. 24 that he wanted to ensure deported parents are reconnected with their children to ensure families are kept together according to News Channel 8.
Lorena Rivas is a Tulsa immigration lawyer and has admitted they have been inundated with phone calls; however, she reassures families they should not worry about ICE entering schools and removing their children according to News Channel 8. Rivas further stated, “Any established or undocumented child has the right to an education so children of immigrants, immigrants themselves, have the right to be educated in our public schools” according to News Channel 8. Rivas also stated that if ICE wants to enter these places, they need a warrant signed by a judge” according to News Channel 8.
Ella Abraham, an international student from England says “I feel upset that there is the potential for ICE to come into schools. Everyone that is here deserves an education, no matter their background. I would say I feel apprehensive about the policies that the government can employ and will reinforce.”
Tulsa Public Schools have rules in place concerning the immigration status of children. Croisant stated, “We’re not allowed as a school district to ask about the immigration status of any students” according to News Channel 8. Croisant further reassured readers that students are protected and that Tulsa Public Schools will follow the law which does not require asking for citizenship status according to News Channel 8. “If that kid comes into the door at Tulsa Public Schools, they will be safe,” said Croisant to News Channel 8.
Tulsa Public Schools, alongside Broken Arrow Public Schools and Owasso Public Schools have sent out a document to families to share information concerning this according to News Channel 8.
The message sent out by Tulsa Public Schools, includes information about how the “district takes student data privacy and security very seriously and federal law requires that we keep student data private” reads the message according to News Channel 8. Trying to comfort students and their families is a top priority of this information provided, also provided in Spanish so it is wholly inclusive and accessible. Furthermore Broken Arrow Public Schools reassured families that their schools have already established protocols for any law enforcement visits requiring they verify their identity according to News Channel 8.
Rivas reassured readers she is working on a document for teachers and what students’ rights are according to News Channel 8. Rivas encourages those who are going through the process of “gaining status, travel with their submitted application and those who feel they may be targeted to have your green card on you at all times” according to News Channel 8.

Post Author: Emily Bell