Area school districts share policies for potential immigration raids
Published 11:26 am Tuesday, February 11, 2025
BY DAVID MAMARIL HOROWITZ
david.horowitz@bgdailynews.com
Several area school districts revealed their protocols for responding to potential immigration raids.
On Jan. 21, then-Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman issued a directive rescinding the Biden administration’s 2021 guidelines against enforcement by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at what are known as protected areas, which include schools and churches.
ICE hadn’t publicly reported raids at schools as of Monday morning. Still, the national change has stoked fear among many students and families nationwide.
School districts across the U.S. have revealed varying amounts of information about their policies, as some pledge more protections for students than others. Southcentral Kentucky school districts are no different.
Warren County Public Schools (WCPS) stated that it requires all visitors to report to the school office, per Kentucky statute.
“As has always been our district’s policy, if a member of law enforcement has a request, WCPS’ Central Office is notified, as well as the school’s School Resource Officer and the child’s parent (unless there is suspected abuse from a parent/guardian or it is deemed an emergency situation),” WCPS stated.
WCPS referred back to its visitor policy and that statement when asked for more details.
While Bowling Green Independent School District (BGISD) doesn’t have a policy that names ICE, it has a board policy last amended in 2019 that addresses law enforcement agencies in cases involving students, according to BGISD.
“School officials shall cooperate with law enforcement agencies in cases involving students (i.e., serving of subpoenas, juvenile petitions or warrants, or taking students into custody.) As soon as possible, officials shall endeavor to notify the parents of students who are arrested,” stated BGISD, citing the policy. “When students are arrested at school, the Principal/designee shall make a written record of the identity of the officer making the arrest, the nature of the offense charged, the name of the issuing authority of any arrest warrant, and the place of custody.”
BGISD stressed that its primary responsibility is the care for its students.
“Policies are the guidelines that are in place, and per our policy, school officials shall cooperate with law enforcement agencies in cases involving students,” BGISD stated. “However (…) the primary focus always remains on the well-being and care of our students. Their safety, development, and overall welfare are our top priorities, guiding every decision and action we take, in all circumstances …
“We have an outstanding relationship with our local police and sheriff’s departments, and we work together as partners to create school environments that are safe and supportive, where students can thrive.”
Barren County Schools (BCS) stated that in addition to following state and federal guidelines for students’ safety and well-being, it has procedures for if federal immigration officers arrive at a school.
Officers must have proper documentation, according to BCS.
“Officers will not be granted access to school property without a valid warrant or court order. The district’s legal team will review any documentation before any action is taken,” BCS stated.
Additionally, BCS notifies district leadership, and the district’s superintendent, legal counsel or designated administrator gets contacted immediately when an immigration officer arrives at a school, according to BCS.
BCS added that “interactions with immigration officials will be documented, including names, times, and reasons for the visit.”
Student records are protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), according to BCS, and “no student information will be shared without authorization.”
If officers must speak with students, “efforts will be made to handle the situation privately” to avoid disruption during school, BCS stated.
The district added that it provides information on legal resources for families seeking guidance.
“(BCS) is committed to following all applicable laws while maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment for students,” BCS stated.
Other area school districts didn’t respond to the Daily News before press time.
