Worcester Public Schools: ICE Response
In the aftermath of President Trump’s inauguration this past Monday, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has begun their detainment of undocumented immigrants across the country.
The federal agency is emphasizing its current plans of targeted arrests, specifically migrants who have committed criminal offenses and are involved in illegal activity. Last Tuesday’s raid in the city of Boston saw individuals of the infamous international gang MS-13 being detained by ICE officials. At the same time, Thursday reports included national arrests of Tren de Aragua members, convicted sex offenders, and murder and rape suspects.
Thursday evening, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt commented on President Trump’s campaign promise of the largest mass deportation operation in US history, stating on X, “Promises made. Promises kept.”
While these detainments are not targeting migrant families and children as of yet, communities across the country are bracing for the possible arrival of ICE agents at their door, place of employment, or even at school.
The Trump administration has taken away common places of sanctuary, allowing federal officials to detain undocumented immigrants at places of worship, schools, and hospitals.
In response to this new policy, Worcester Public Schools have reminded families of district procedures regarding immigration agencies, with plans laid out should agents arrive at schools or “places students where are under the district’s custody.”
Superintendent Rachel Monarrez stated that the WPS “will not coordinate with ICE and will not allow agents into facilities without a warrant signed by a federal judge.”
Obtaining a memo from the Worcester Public School system, bus drivers were informed to:
“A recent notification has gone out regarding ICE (Immigrations and Customs Enforcement) agents potentially being at bus stops. If you are aware of any agents being at a stop, DO NOT let any student off the bus and contact the transportation office immediately.”
While there have been no reports of students detained by ICE agents at either school or aboard school transportation, Trump’s immigration crackdown has reverberated throughout migrant communities throughout the United States. With uncertain status, undocumented families are preparing for the increase of ICE raids and possible detainment amidst Trump’s attack on immigration and unpredictable policies.