Editorial: California must fight Trump by keeping immigration enforcement away from schools

McClatchy California Editorial Boards, The Sacramento Bee on Jan 27, 2025

Published in Op Eds

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The Trump administration announced last week that immigration agents have arrested 538 undocumented immigrants and have already deported “hundreds” more. Now, the administration has announced its intention to roll back a 2011 federal guideline that limited immigration enforcement activities at or near schools, childcare centers, churches and hospitals.

School district superintendents, hospital administrators and religious leaders across our state must publicly and vocally condemn such intrusions by Immigration Customs Enforcement agents, the federal government, or any law enforcement acting to detain immigrants by invading such sensitive locations.

The public needs to see role models and leaders in their communities who bravely show that resistance to unlawful searches and detention is not only possible but necessary to hold our community together in the face of state-sponsored terror.

For schools in particular, children of undocumented immigrants have the right to public education for their children, regardless of their immigration status, as affirmed by the 1982 Plyler v. Doe Supreme Court decision.

Amid valid and growing fears of deportation raids in the Central Valley, schools have reported a marked increase in student absenteeism over the same period last year. California funds schools based on student attendance. Nearly 12% of students in the state have at least one undocumented parent.

“We have heard anecdotally that some families expressed fear over sending their children to school last week given the (Border Patrol) actions occurring around Kern County,” Timothy Fulenwider, executive director for instruction support services at Bakersfield City School District, told The Fresno Bee.

“In addition, we have heard anecdotally from staff, students, and parents that many are concerned for friends and relatives as well as what the future may hold.”

Two bills now in the California Legislature would keep federal agents from detaining undocumented students or their families on or near a school property without a warrant. Unfortunately, this legislation does not override federal law, and would only delay — not stop — arrests.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta said his office will defend the rights of Californians. “I’m disappointed, but not surprised, by the President’s executive orders,” he said in a statement. “But I want to be clear that California will not waiver in its commitment to upholding the rights and protections of all of our residents, including the nearly 11 million immigrants who call this state home. …We will continue to use the full force of the law and tools of this office to stand up for you.”

What to do if you witness a raid

The National Immigrant Justice Center recommends that if agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, knock on your door, do not open it, and do not talk to them through the door. Teach your children not to open the door, too.

“Officers must have a warrant signed by a judge to enter your home. ICE ‘warrants’ are not signed by judges … and they do not grant authority to enter a home without consent of the occupants.”

If you are a U.S. citizen observing ICE detention in a public space, and you feel safe doing so, record the activity with your phone or write down any relevant information about what you witness. Do not post unverified information online.

These arrests have caused consternation in communities across the state, where children and their parents live in daily fear.

“The Constitution and our laws are clear: The federal government cannot bully state officials into carrying out deportations, nor can they punish them for declining,” said Deirdre Schifeling, ACLU chief political and advocacy officer.

“We understand that checks and balances, including the authority of states to direct the use of their resources, may be frustrating to the president. Nevertheless, the Department and this administration are bound by the Constitution. State and local governments cannot be compelled to carry out the Trump administration’s political agenda of sowing fear and division in our communities.”

Performing immigration arrests at schools, hospitals and religious institutions is an egregious insult not only to immigrants living in our state but to all Californians.

We have the power to say: “No. Not here.” Now we must summon the courage.