Mayor Simmons Condemns ICE Activity In Stamford

STAMFORD, CT — Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons on Tuesday condemned recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in Stamford, saying she continues to be "horrified by the cruelty of these actions."

Simmons posted on Facebook that she was made aware of ICE activity in Stamford over the past two days.

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"Our city is not made safer when people are randomly removed from our streets and their rights are violated," Simmons said. "It is critical that everyone understand their rights, regardless of immigration status. For those families who are impacted, there are rapid response and legal support resources in our community to assist you during this difficult time."

Simmons said Stamford "unequivocally remains an inclusive and welcoming city for all immigrants, and we stand with our immigrant community as we continue to navigate these ongoing challenges."

A rally against ICE organized by the National Day Laborer Organizing Network was scheduled to take place outside the Stamford Government Center on Tuesday at 5 p.m.

The organization claimed more than 20 people were detained during a multi-city ICE operation on Aug. 24 in Danbury, Stamford and Bridgeport.

ICE arrests have increased over the past month, according to a report from the Associated Press on Tuesday.

The AP reported 50,000 people were arrested in July, the highest monthly total in the second Trump administration.

On Monday, Simmons, Stamford Board of Education President Andy George and Superintendent Dr. Adrian Talley sent a message to the community ahead of the new school year.

"With the new school year about to begin, we want to reaffirm that SPS welcomes all children into our schools, regardless of race, religion, gender, disability, socioeconomic background, or immigration status. We do not collect information about immigration status, as this information is unrelated to our mission," the message said.

"The recent elimination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals has impacted more than 5,000 Connecticut residents, including many in our community," the officials added. "The changes to TPS and ongoing immigration actions in Fairfield County have left many of our neighbors concerned about how they will meet the basic needs of their families, including whether their children can attend school."

Stamford officials reminded the community that state and federal laws protect students' right to attend public school regardless of immigration status and keep student records private. Connecticut's Trust Act limits local police cooperation with ICE.

Non-local law enforcement officers, including ICE agents, cannot enter non-public areas of schools without a valid judicial warrant signed by a federal judge. Warrants issued only by the Department of Homeland Security or ICE do not authorize entry.

If ICE agents arrive at a school, staff will contact the Stamford Public Schools Compliance Department to review any warrant.

School administrators and staff cannot grant ICE or other non-local law enforcement officers access to schools.

The officials pointed families to the SPS Welcome Center at 203-977-5312 or OFCE@stamfordps.org, or the requisite school's parent facilitator for resources.

"Every child has the right to learn in a safe, welcoming environment. Stamford Public Schools is committed to safeguarding that right by ensuring our schools remain safe spaces for all children, regardless of immigration status," the officials said.

"The new school year is a time of great excitement and anticipation for our community's children, and we are committed to ensuring our schools remain safe spaces for learning where every child feels a sense of belonging."