ICE at Schools

What You Need to Know

Understanding what ICE can and cannot legally do is crucial for protecting students and families. Here’s what schools should know:

Public vs. Protected Spaces

ICE agents can access public areas (parking lots, sidewalks, playgrounds) without a warrant. However, they cannot enter private areas (classrooms, offices, hallways, or other non-public areas) unless they have a valid judicial warrant signed by a federal judge or the school administrator gives explicit permission.

What Documents Matter?

• Judicial Warrant (signed by a judge) = Valid for entry
• Administrative Warrants, ICE Detainers, or Verbal Requests = Not enough
• Schools can always verify documentation with legal counsel before allowing entry to protected areas.

Individual Rights

• Right to remain silent and refuse to answer questions or discuss immigration status.
• Right to request a lawyer.
• Right to ask, “Am I being detained?” If the answer is no, you can leave.
• Parental consent for a student to be questioned or asked to leave is generally required unless a judicial warrant specifies otherwise.

Staff Recommendations

ICE is not allowed to question or detain students or staff without a judicial warrant. Staff members encountering ICE may say, “I’m not authorized to provide access or information. Please speak with the school administrator.”

Staff should not allow ICE in private areas. Document ICE agents and actions. Call legal counsel immediately.

School Administrators

• Prepare now by designating a point person, training staff on valid documents, establishing clear protocols, and documenting all ICE interactions thoroughly.

Knowledge protects everyone. Share this information to help keep our communities informed.