A school district in Texas issued a warning letter to parents via Facebook about the potential interactions between school buses and US Border Patrol agents. The letter, which was later removed from Facebook, informed parents that Border Patrol agents may board buses used for extracurricular activities at highway checkpoints and ask students for proof of legal citizenship. In case the students were unable to present proof of legal citizenship legal protocols might be undertaken. This letter comes amidst the US making rigorous attempts to revamp its immigration and foreign policy. The Texas school district’s concern echoes similar warnings made by other school districts like West Oso (Independent School District) ISD. The warning letters aim to educate parents about the recent changes that have been made to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.
What the warning letter said
Alice ISD in Texas issued a warning to students in a letter uploaded on facebook. The letter which was later deleted warned parents about the strict immigration policies being enforced in the US which now allows the ICE officials to operate in schools. “We have received information that U.S. Border Patrol agents may be boarding school buses at highway checkpoints in and out of the Valley to question students about their citizenship status,” AliceISD Superintendent Anysia Trevino wrote.
The district explained the situation wherein school buses might become places for routine checks by the officials. The ISD also highlighted the steps it is taking to address the situation such as reviewing student travel waivers and possibly having a designated chaperone vehicle accompany buses to assist if a student were detained. Parents were encouraged to contact the district with concerns. The letter reflects an understanding that the Trump administration favors a much stricter implementation of regulations against undocumented immigrants.
Recent policy changes impacting school districts
Among waves of changes epicentred in the US White House, ICE is now allowed to make arrests in sensitive areas like schools, hospitals, churches to catch undocumented immigrants. With new operation laws for ICE, immigration enforcement in schools is at the risk of becoming a norm. As per the US regulations, if students are found without documentation, they may be detained or deported. Additionally, providing false information about citizenship could result in a permanent ban from receiving US citizenship. This policy was explained by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official in the wake of tougher reinforcement of immigration rules under the Trump administration.
