'Uncertainty, fear, and chaos:' Maryland leaders react to ICE being allowed in schools
Maryland school districts react to ICE being allowed in schools
President Donald Trump is now allowing ICE agents to enter schools, sparking reaction from school districts in our region. FOX 5's Nana-Sentuo Bonsu has the story.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. - President Donald Trump's new directive allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to conduct searches and make arrests in schools is drawing strong reactions from local officials and advocacy groups.
The policy reverses a 2011 law that had prohibited ICE agents from entering sensitive locations, such as schools and churches.
ICE agents allowed in schools
What they're saying:
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich voiced serious concerns about the change.
"We are really worried about it. I’m very worried about it," Elrich said.
He, along with County Council President Kate Stewart, is working to assess how this policy will affect local schools and students.
"I’ve had conversations with our superintendent, and this is very top of mind for him," Stewart said. Montgomery County school officials reassured families that the district does not inquire about students’ immigration status and has protocols in place for interactions between staff and law enforcement.
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Neighboring Prince George’s County Public Schools issued a statement expressing solidarity with families who may feel unsettled by the change.
"PGCPS is aware of the recent executive orders announced by President Trump and is carefully reviewing their potential impacts on our students, families, and staff," the statement reads.
Scarlett Aldebot, Policy Advocacy Director at the ACLU of DC, criticized the directive, saying it creates unnecessary fear and uncertainty. She advised families to be proactive by creating emergency plans, such as designating an individual to pick up children from school in case of a raid.
"This order specifically creates a level of uncertainty, fear, and chaos that is problematic for all of us," Aldebot said.
Stewart emphasized that Montgomery County schools are preparing principals and staff to handle potential ICE visits.
Department of Homeland Security defends Trump's policy
Big picture view:
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security defended the policy, stating it enables ICE to enforce immigration laws and apprehend criminals.
"This action empowers the brave men and women in CBP and ICE to enforce our immigration laws and catch criminal aliens — including murderers and rapists — who have illegally come into our country," the statement reads. "Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest. The Trump Administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement and instead trusts them to use common sense."
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Elrich expressed skepticism about the necessity of targeting schools.
"After all the talk about going after all the hard-core criminals – I wonder how many hardcore criminals they are going to find in an elementary school?" he said.
Montgomery County Public Schools reiterated that resources are available to assist families navigating the implications of the new policy. Local attorneys are also reviewing the directive to ensure the school district is prepared.
The Source: The information in this story comes from FOX 5 reporting, the Department of Homeland Security, Montgomery County Council, and PGCPS.