DCPS Rolls Out New Protocol for School ICE Visits

On Jan. 24, following the Trump inauguration, DC public schools introduced a new policy outlining strict guidelines for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) visits on school grounds. The policy requires that any ICE visit be accompanied by a valid judicial warrant and clearly states that school officials and staff are not to facilitate such visits. Administrators say these measures are designed to protect students’ privacy and ensure that schools remain safe, inclusive environments for everyone. 

Following the announcement, a Rookery school-wide survey revealed significant student concern. Students were asked to rate their fear of potential ICE visits at School Without Walls on a three-point scale, one being not afraid at all and three being strongly afraid. Out of 35 respondents, 28.6% answered with a one, 48.6% with a two, and 22.9% with a three. “We should probably be fine here at Walls, but it is a bit scary thinking they could come in and question anybody, anytime,” shared one student, who preferred to remain anonymous. “I think it’s completely detrimental to have ICE visiting schools because it affects students' mental health, especially if they’re concerned that going to school could be a place where they’re not safe,” another student added, also preferring to remain anonymous.

While most raise great concern, many feel that Walls should not be a place of worry. “I doubt it would ever happen at somewhere like Walls,” an anonymous student expressed. “I feel it’s pretty harmless, just a show of strength and power,” another asserted. 

However, some voices within the school community see the policy as a necessary step towards clarity and safety. “I think resistance is important, especially when you’re dealing with a new regime that looks to disregard a lot of human rights. The policy fortifies us in a way and bands us together so that we are not just left out there as individuals and no student feels left alone,” explained Mr. Willoughby. Walls administration and numerous teachers did not respond to The Rookery's requests to comment on the matter. 

Still, some faculty members do not feel wholly prepared for an ICE visit. Regarding specific guidance moving forward, Mr. Willoughby continued, “I think we should have some sort of online meeting. I know that the Washington Teachers Union (WTU) has offered town hall types of instruction. I think that would be very helpful for DCPS.” 

As the policy takes effect, many DCPS administrators encourage open dialogue. After all, one thing is quite clear, a threat of this magnitude is unprecedented at Walls, and responses are unsure. For now, while the new guidelines have not eliminated all fears, many in the community are cautiously hopeful that these measures will bolster the sense of security at School Without Walls.