LOGAN – This week an executive order made a change to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement policy by expanding where enforcement can take place – which now includes schools, churches, and hospitals. These locations were previously considered off-limits to enforce immigration laws.
Cache County and Logan City school districts want parents and community members to know they are aware of the change and the concern it may bring and will continue to offer a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.
“Cache County School District remains committed to providing a supportive learning environment for all students, regardless of immigration status,” it wrote in a statement to parents and the community. “It is important to understand that, by law, a child’s immigration status (or that of their parents) does not affect their right to receive a public education.”
Both school districts reminded parents it will not share the immigration status of students with immigration authorities.
“We will continue to follow laws guaranteeing that all children in the United States, regardless of their immigration status, have a right to a free and appropriate education,” read part of a statement from Logan City School District. “We have counselors and wellness staff at all our schools who are available if students experience any anxiety, stress, or fears in response to changes to federal immigration enforcement guidelines.”
On Jan. 21, Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman issued a directive to reverse the Biden Administration’s guidelines for how Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can enforce “sensitive” or designated protected areas.
“This action empowers the brave men and women in CBP and ICE to enforce our immigration laws and catch criminal aliens—including murders and rapists—who have illegally come into our country,” DHS Spokesperson stated in a news release. “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.”
District statements reminded parents/guardians of students to make sure contact information for the student’s emergency contacts are current.
The Cache County School District and Logan City School District invited any concerned parents/guardians to contact their child’s school with any questions or concerns. Families may also reach out by email to ccsd.info@ccsdut.org for CCCSD concerns and LCSD may reach out to its Director of Communications by email at shana.longhurst@loganschools.org
The previous guidelines for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions in or near protected areas, made in 2021, designated protected areas as:
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A school
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a medical or mental healthcare facility
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a place of worship
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a place where children gather, a social services establishment, which includes a crisis center, domestic violence shelter, homeless shelter
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a place where disaster or emergency response and relief is being provided
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a place where a funeral, graveside ceremony, wedding, or other religious or civil ceremonies happen.
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a place where there is an ongoing parade, demonstration, or rally