ICE at School

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Safe Schools Policy

Per Assembly Bill 699, all California school districts are required to have policies limiting assistance with immigration enforcement at public schools and may not collect information about immigration status during enrollment. All districts were required to adopt model policies from the Attorney General or equivalent policies by July 1, 2018.

Per Assembly Bill 49, California school districts are prohibited from allowing any immigration enforcement staff to enter a nonpublic area of a schoolsite for any purpose absent an emergency (“exigent circumstances”) without a valid judicial warrant, judicial subpoena or court order. This includes school buses and areas where a school-sponsored event is being held. Similarly, California school districts must not allow any such officer or employee to obtain any information about a student or a student’s family (absent consent) without a valid judicial warrant, judicial subpoena or court order.

Per Senate Bill 98, California school districts must notify all students, faculty and staff when federal immigration officers have been confirmed to be on campus. When comprehensive school safety plans are next reviewed and updated (no later than March 1, 2026), they must include procedures to notify parents, guardians, and school district staff when the school confirms the presence of immigration enforcement at the schoolsite.

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If ICE Comes to School

School staff should be aware of district policy and protocols for potential interactions with immigration enforcement agents at their school. All schools should have designated site administrators to manage potential encounters.

If an agent requests entry to a school, staff should follow their district’s protocol, notify their designated site administrator, and request any documentation that would justify school access.

Unless an emergency is declared, school staff should not provide school site access without a signed judicial warrant, subpoena or court order. If such documents are provided, district staff should consult with legal counsel before responding to make sure they are complying with all legal requirements.

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Guidance for Teachers

Teachers play a key role in making immigrant students feel safe and supported. Knowing district policies, responding calmly, and sharing accurate resources helps protect students’ rights. 

Do

  • Stay calm.

  • Share rights information and vetted resources with students and families.

  • Know your district’s procedures for interactions with immigration officials.

Do Not

  • Spread rumors or unverified information.

  • Provide legal advice beyond basic rights reminders.

  • Disclose student or family information to ICE or government officials.