ICE raids at middle, elementary schools possible; Maryland, Virginia leaders respond
Trump administration warns of ICE raids at schools, churches
A new directive by President Donald Trump’s border czar would allow ICE agents to enter schools, churches and hospitals. But in the DMV, some county leaders say they’re preparing to protect their residents, regardless of their immigration status.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. - A new directive by President Donald Trump’s border czar would allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to enter schools, churches and hospitals. But in the DMV, some county leaders say they’re preparing to protect their residents, regardless of their immigration status.
The Trump administration claims it's all part of an effort to go after members of the gang MS-13, which is known to recruit teenagers.
"Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America's schools and churches to avoid arrest," said acting Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman in a statement directing immigration authorities they could conduct operations in "sensitive" areas.
That includes middle and elementary schools as well.
"How many MS-13 members are the age 14 to 17? Many of them," said Tom Homan, Trump's border czar, on ABC's ‘This Week.’
READ MORE: Trump allows migrants to be arrested at schools, churches
Maryland, Virginia leaders on ICE raids
Local perspective:
The Democratic President of the Montgomery County Council, Kate Stewart, tells FOX 5 the latest moves by the White House are bringing "uncertainty, anxiety and fear," to her county as ICE agents will be able to enter "sensitive locations" like hospitals, churches and schools.
"We need to prepare here in Montgomery County and for our residents to make sure that we’re doing all we can to support them and we’re upholding their rights and our local authority," Stewart said.
But Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins says he thinks some local political leaders are over-reacting.
"They’re politically posturing. I think honestly what they’re saying is going to fall on dear ears. They can’t stop ICE, they can’t impede ICE, they can’t interfere or they’re going to be in some trouble," Jenkins said.
Montgomery County school superintendent Thomas Taylor says that, "MCPS does not ask about immigration status."
Fairfax County Superintendent Michelle Reid wrote FCPS follows the law, which prohibits collecting student immigration status.
And Prince William School officials say ICE would need "legal justification" to enter its buildings.
READ MORE: 'Uncertainty, fear, and chaos:' Maryland leaders react to ICE being allowed in schools
What residents think about ICE raids in Maryland, Virginia
What they're saying:
FOX 5 heard from DMV residents who had mixed opinions about the policy change.
"They are just going to racially profile every 12-year-old that’s in there," one woman said.
"I’ll believe it when it starts happening," another man told FOX 5. "I don’t see ICE conducting mass raids in either churches or schools unless they’re used as sanctuary."
"[It’s] Intrusive," another man said. "And I don’t think that will actually fly with, you know, the nation."
Sheriff Jenkins tells FOX 5 that he’s not worried about ICE agents coming into his county because Frederick already cooperates with federal officials on a ‘287-g’ agreement, which means sheriff’s deputies check on a prisoner's immigration status and then contact ICE if they find a violation.