Prepare For Immigration Raids, Michigan Schools Told

Federal immigration agents don’t typically go to schools, but Michigan Department of Civil Rights Director Agustin Arbulu and State Superintendent Brian Whitson say in a letter that school officials should be prepared in the event they do. Arbulu and Whitson were responding to immigration raids that have already taken place in Michigan and fear that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security may enlist the help of schools in immigration enforcement work.

“In light of the recent expansion of immigration enforcement activity, we encourage all school districts to review their policies and seek legal advice before taking any steps that would result in violations of (the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act) and other related state and federal law,” they wrote.

Michigan law requires that undocumented students attend school until they reach a mandated age. The state civil rights act expressly prohibits discrimination based on race or national origin and guarantees the full and equal enjoyment of public services and accommodations, Arbulu and Whitson wrote.

Read the full letter below.

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