A Durham Public Schools student stood before the school board this week to share some of their worst nightmares.
“Imagine being a student, just like me, trying to focus on a math problem or history lesson while constantly worrying that your family might not be there when you get home,” the high school student said. “Imagine the fear of watching classmates or friends disappear, their seats left empty, their futures uncertain.”
The mass deportations promised by President Donald Trump have many living in fear, the student said.
“How can we truly feel safe when there’s the threat of ICE entering our schools?”
Around the same time, Durham Public Schools shared an email with families promising an “inclusive, welcoming” environment for immigrant students.
The district stopped short of saying it would bar immigration officers from entering schools.
A school’s principal will be “notified immediately” of an ICE visit, district spokesperson Crystal Roberts told The News & Observer.
She said administrators “have been appointed to serve as liaisons” between principals and the district’s attorneys, who will “provide legal guidance regarding compliance.”
In the email, Durham Public Schools said it does not ask for or maintain records of a child’s documentation status.
“Durham Public Schools is designed to serve as a safe space for every student,” the message said. “We are proud of our diverse community and will provide the necessary support for our scholars academically as well as socially and emotionally.”
Immigration raids at “sensitive” locations, like schools and churches, were prohibited by Immigration and Customs Enforcement policy until recently. The day after Trump assumed office, the Department of Homeland Security rescinded the 2011 policy protecting them.
ICE reported arresting over 5,500 people over the past seven days, nearly 800 a day and more than double the pace under the Biden administration.
A nationwide scare was sparked when Chicago Public Schools said ICE agents tried entering an elementary school last week.
They were actually Secret Service agents, the district later acknowledged. The Secret Service, which like ICE is housed in the Department of Homeland Security, said its agents were investigating a threat a student made amid the TikTok ban.
Former DPS Board of Education member Alexandra Valladares urged school officials to demand a warrant before allowing federal agents inside a school building.
“Families are really scared,” Valladares said. “Before anybody starts asking about Juan, Pedrito, Isabellita — No. They are our kids. — A warrant. Due process.”
This is the full message DPS shared with families:
“We understand that recent changes in federal immigration enforcement may create uncertainty and fear for DPS families, staff, and neighbors across our community. As we work extremely hard to quickly learn more, we want to provide assurances about what hasn’t changed.
Durham Public Schools will continue to provide every student, regardless of background, with a quality education in an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive environment. This is the right of each and every DPS scholar in our schools. We will also maintain and follow school safety protocols, district policies, as well as state and federal laws that protect the rights, safety, and dignity of each scholar.
Because we are committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive environment for every student and family we serve, the following remains our promise:
Student Safety and Privacy are Protected.
The safety and well-being of our students is our top priority. Protections exist for student records and identifying information in those records under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Durham Public Schools will disclose confidential student information to immigration officials only as authorized or required by law.
Durham Public Schools Does Not Discriminate Based on Immigration Status.
Under the 1982 U.S. Supreme Court case Plyler v. Doe, it is unconstitutional to deny the benefits of public education to undocumented students. Durham Public Schools believes all children are equally deserving of a sound basic education and does not ask families for their immigration status or record that information in student records.
Support for Students is Unwavering. Durham Public Schools is designed to serve as a safe space for every student. We are proud of our diverse community and will provide the necessary support for our scholars academically as well as socially and emotionally. Our mission to embrace, educate, and empower every student to innovate, serve, and lead remains steadfast.
The below links include resources and services that may be helpful for families affected by evolving federal practices. Please be advised that these resources are external and independent of Durham Public Schools, and we do not manage, review, or control any of the information found at these links and are not responsible for their content. We encourage families to explore these resources on their own to assess their relevance and usefulness for their specific needs.
Supporting NC’s Immigrant Families (The Center on Immigration & Child Welfare Initiative)
National Immigration Legal Services Directory (Immigration Advocates Network)
Legal Aid of North Carolina
ACLU North Carolina
Informed Immigrant
Latin American Coalition (La Coalicion)
NC Immigrant Solidarity Fund
Together, we will continue to uphold our mission and ensure that DPS students and families feel valued and supported.”
The News & Observer
Mary Helen Moore covers Durham for The News & Observer. She grew up in Eastern North Carolina and attended UNC-Chapel Hill before spending several years working in newspapers in Florida. Outside of work, you might find her reading, fishing, baking, or going on walks (mainly to look at plants).