April 1, 2025 Dear John The perception of rising U.S. immigration enforcement already has generated tangible consequences in schools across the country: Reduced student attendance, heightened anxiety for children and parents, and tough policy questions for school administrators. Amid the Trump administration's lifting of the “sensitive locations” policy that largely kept schools off limits to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as well as ongoing state legal challenges to the 1982 Plyler v. Doe ruling guaranteeing a free public education to all children regardless of legal status, immigration has landed on schools’ doorstep with new urgency. States and districts are issuing or updating “safe zone” policies and guidance, as a new short read by Julie Sugarman of the Migration Policy Institute’s National Center on Immigrant Integration Policy explains. Aiming to keep schools in compliance with federal and state law on the education of immigrant-background children, these policies cover topics such as how to respond in the event ICE personnel arrive on campus and what level of student and parental information should be shared. “While these documents fulfill the basic function of clarifying legal obligations for educators, many effectively connect these responsibilities to broader educational principles,” Sugarman writes. “Regardless of local political context, administrators can unite around policies that promote consistent attendance, minimize classroom disruptions, and encourage family engagement.” The short read examines the legal authorities in which safe zone initiatives are rooted and details key areas covered by guidance focused on immigration enforcement, enrollment of immigrant-background students, and communication and engagement with parents, families, and staff. Much will turn on how fully and effectively these safe zone policies are implemented, with adequate resources, training, and information sharing essential. “When backed by such support, safe zone policies can help create better learning environments for all of a school’s students,” Sugarman notes. For more, find the short read here: www.migrationpolicy.org/news/schools-immigrant-students-enforcement. | 
