We understand that recent concerns about potential Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities may be causing fear and uncertainty for some of our families. We care about your well-being and want to reassure you that our schools are safe for all students and staff, regardless of immigration status, background, or personal circumstances. You are a valued part of our school community, and we are committed to providing a welcoming and supportive environment where all students can learn and thrive.
You have the right to remain silent and do not have to discuss your immigration or citizenship status with police, immigration agents, or other officials. Anything you tell an officer can later be used against you in immigration court.
Retrieved from ACLU.org.
If you are not a U.S. citizen and an immigration agent requests your immigration papers, you must show them if you have them with you.
Retrieved from ACLU.org.
If an immigration agent asks if they can search you, you have the right to say no. Agents do not have the right to search you or your belongings without your consent or probable cause.
Retrieved from ACLU.org.
If you’re over 18, carry your papers with you at all times. If you don’t have them, tell the officer that you want to remain silent, or that you want to consult a lawyer before answering any questions.
Retrieved from ACLU.org.
Every student in California has the right to attend public school free from discrimination, harassment, violence, intimidation, and bullying.
(California Education Code [EC] 220, 234, et seq.)
All children in the United States, regardless of immigration or citizenship status, have the right to a free and appropriate public education.
(Plyler v. Doe, 457 U.S. 202 [1982]).
The San Diego County Office of Education has compiled several legal resources. They include more than a dozen organizations in San Diego and Orange counties providing services related to immigration, asylum, and refugee cases.
Assembly Bill 49 (AB 49) prohibits U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers from entering California school sites and day care centers without valid identification, a written statement of purpose, a judicial warrant, and approval from designated officials. The bill aims to protect the privacy and safety of students and children in educational and childcare settings.
The ACLU's "Know Your Rights: Immigrants' Rights" webpage informs individuals of their constitutional rights in various situations, regardless of immigration status, and offers guidance on how to exercise these rights effectively.
This document from the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) outlines the legal rights and protections for undocumented students and their families. It covers enrollment policies, privacy of student records, parental rights, and how schools should handle requests from immigration authorities, emphasizing student safety and legal compliance.
The California Attorney General's guidance, titled "Promoting a Safe and Secure Learning Environment for All," provides model policies to help K-12 schools address immigration-related issues, ensuring the protection of students' rights and the creation of safe educational spaces.
The California Department of Education's Newcomer Students webpage provides guidance and resources for educators, families, and community organizations working with recently arrived immigrant students. It covers educational support, instructional strategies, and links to state and federal programs aimed at fostering academic success and social integration.
Senate Bill 48 (SB 48) prohibits immigration enforcement activities on California school campuses without a judicial warrant and limits the sharing of student, family, and employee information with immigration authorities. The bill aims to safeguard school communities and ensure compliance with privacy protections.
