Schools around the US are weighing responses to possible immigration raids

Schools around the country are reviewing what to do if immigration agents come knocking as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office after campaigning on a pledge to deport millions of people. “I know there is a lot of fear and anxiety around the incoming administration’s anticipated changes to immigration policy,” California Attorney General Bonta said, “and I want to make sure students, their parents, and their teachers and school administrators are prepared.” The 54-page California guide outlines state and federal protections for students and procedures for responding to law enforcement requests ranging from documents to interviews with students. Many communities debated how much and whether schools should cooperate with immigration authorities during Trump’s first administration, when school systems including Chicago’s took stands against immigration enforcement. “We understand that fear and uncertainty, especially concerning the potential deportation of family members, can significantly impact our students’ well-being, their attendance, and their ability to learn,” Des Moines, Iowa Public Schools, where one of four students are English language learners, said in a statement last month. “We would like them to think that school is obviously a safe place and we are doing everything we can to bolster our policies around who can and can’t be in the buildings,” he said, “and we want to make sure that we’re just keeping the needs of the kids at the forefront.” ___ The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations.