Florida Schools Strengthen Protocols in Response to ICE Arrests.

Florida Schools Strengthen Protocols in Response to ICE Arrests.
Concerns Grow Over Student Rights.
Here are the details.

The recent lifting of restrictions that prevented Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from making arrests at sensitive locations such as schools, churches, and hospitals has raised concerns in educational communities throughout Florida.

In response, school districts across the state have begun to establish protocols to address potential operations within their institutions.

Concerns about possible arrests at schools intensified after a teacher in Miami-Dade was detained off campus, leaving his students without one of their educators.

This incident has set off alarms in other communities, such as in Brevard County, where rumors circulated about the detention of students at Melbourne High School.

Although local authorities have denied these claims, the incident reflects the uncertainty and anxiety experienced by many immigrant families.

Florida Schools Strengthen Protocols in Response to ICE Arrests

Schools will comply with ICE orders, according to guidance sent out by Central Florida Districts. https://t.co/3rp59Swdwo

– The Palm Beach Post (@Pbpost) Februry 9, 2025

School districts in Brevard, Orange, Volusia, St. Lucie, Osceola, and Seminole have issued clear guidelines for their staff in case ICE agents appear on educational campuses.

According to Florida Today, the measures include:

Mandatory identification of agents: ICE officers must present official credentials such as badges, photo IDs, and business cards.
Sign-in and sign-out records: In Brevard, agents must sign in and out just like any other visitor.
Legal requirements for accessing records: In Orange, Seminole, Volusia, and Osceola, agents can only access student information with a valid subpoena or court order.

Student Rights and Interviews with ICE

Schools will comply with ICE orders, according to guidance sent out by Central Florida Districts. https://t.co/g9vf8Gyzab

– Florida Today (@florida_today) Februry 9, 2025

One of the most sensitive points is the procedure in case ICE requests to interview a student. District policies stipulate that:

Parental consent should be obtained before a minor speaks with agents.
If ICE orders that parents not be contacted, school employees must comply.
In most districts, a school administrator may be present during the interview, but ICE has the right to deny this request.

If a student is arrested, the procedures vary by district:

This is the plan for Florida schools if ICE attempts to make arrests within them | By Daniela Mérida https://t.co/djuyrourum7n

– Infobae América (@infobaeamerica) February 9, 2025

In all counties except Brevard, it is established that parents must be notified immediately.
In St. Lucie and Osceola, ICE may request school employees not to inform parents about the detention.

Despite the uncertainty, immigrant students have rights that must be respected, as reported by Infobae.

The 1990 Judicial Ruling

A 1990 judicial ruling establishes that:

Florida schools cannot inquire about a student’s immigration status at the time of enrollment.
They cannot deny educational services based on immigration status.
They are not authorized to refer students to ICE.

Organizations like the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) advise students and their families to be aware of their rights, such as:

Carrying proof of residency in the U.S. for at least two years to avoid immediate deportation.
Not answering questions about immigration status without a lawyer present.
Not signing documents without legal advice.

Impact of ICE arrests on Teachers and School Employees

The change in immigration policy also affects educational staff.

The Florida Education Association (FEA) expressed concern over the detention of the teacher in Miami-Dade, highlighting the impact on the educational community.

«In the days and weeks to come, the children at one of our public schools will no longer be able to learn from their favorite teacher,» stated the FEA in a press release.

Some districts, such as St. Lucie, Volusia, and Seminole, have warned their employees that, in case of an arrest, they must comply with ICE orders, as refusal could lead to charges of obstructing justice.

An Uncertain Landscape

As Florida schools adjust their protocols, concern continues to grow among students, parents, and educators.

Although no arrests have been recorded on campuses yet, the possibility of ICE conducting operations in schools keeps the immigrant community on edge.

They seek to protect their children’s rights in an increasingly uncertain educational environment.

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