ICE Presence Prompts School To Implement New Policy

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — The Prince George’s County Board of Education recently approved a new policy establishing protocols for school staff when interacting with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, or ICE.

The policy outlines how administrators and staff should respond if ICE officers are present on school property, with an emphasis on safeguarding students’ rights, minimizing disruption and maintaining secure learning environments.

District leaders say the policy is designed to "ensure schools remain safe, supportive spaces where all students can learn without fear, while providing staff with consistent, legally grounded guidance for handling these situations."

“This policy underscores the district’s dedication to equity, student protection, and compliance with federal and state laws, while providing guidance on safeguarding student information and outlining procedures for school personnel when interacting with immigration authorities,” said PGCPS Board Member Aimee Olivo, whose work as vice chair of the board’s policy and governance committee helped craft the verbiage.

Several representatives from We Are CASA, the immigrant advocacy organization, attended a news conference held recently in support of the measure.

"The new school policy reflects the protective measures urgently needed to ensure that all students, regardless of race, ethnicity or circumstance, feel truly welcome and valued in our school communities. When students feel safe, attendance improves and families are more engaged. PGCPS has demonstrated a clear commitment to our Maryland values and stands as an example to all school systems seeking to establish protective policies that are truly responsive to the authentic needs of their most impacted students during this time of deep fear and anxiety." said Shannon Wilk, director of education at We Are CASA.

The policy also establishes boundaries to keep school property – classrooms, buses and instructional spaces — private and secure from unauthorized interference.

• Schools may enact a Shelter-in-Place protocol if immigration enforcement enters or comes within 1,000 feet of school property. Principals have the authority to implement this measure.
• School security and law enforcement will focus solely on campus safety and are prohibited from acting as immigration agents.
• Families will have access to safety planning resources and legal guidance to ensure they are supported.