Addressing Community Concerns: ICE Activity and School Safety Update for BSD Families
Message from WashCo for All
Trusted Parents & Allies,
We are sharing the Oregon for All flier for those interested. As we see an increased ICE presence, we want to be prepared and support our families and children accordingly. If you want to connect with one of our leads to understand more, please reach out to WashCo for All.
Message from BSD:
Dear BSD families,
We are aware of recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in our community, which has raised concerns for some of our families about their safety and their children’s well-being, as well as their neighbors’ safety. We want to share that at this time, no enforcement actions have been targeted at schools, and ICE personnel have not come to any of our schools. (Rumors spread this morning that ICE was on a school campus, but that information was incorrect.) However, we know their presence and activity in our area may directly impact some of our students and families.
We want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the fear and uncertainty many people are feeling and remind you that our schools are safe and welcoming spaces for all. Here’s what you can expect from us:
School property is protected. Schools are not open to the public. Immigration enforcement agents cannot come into a school without proper legal authority. They must present a judicial warrant issued by a court.
Student and family information is private. Staff will not ask about or disclose immigration status and will not release students’ and families’ contact information. That information is protected by law and district policy.
Local law enforcement are not involved. Under Oregon law, public agencies focus on their local responsibilities and will not engage in immigration enforcement activities. This includes our youth services officers in schools as well as local and state police.
Staff are prepared. Key staff have received training on how to respond if approached by immigration officers or anyone else seeking protected information. We have procedures in place to support students if their families are impacted.
We encourage families who are concerned to create a safety plan. We share this not to cause alarm or anxiety, but because being prepared helps everyone feel more secure in uncertain times and in cases of emergency. A plan could include:
Making sure schools have up-to-date emergency contact information.
Identifying trusted adults who could pick up children from school, if needed.
Talking with children in age-appropriate ways about what to do if they feel worried or unsafe.
If you have questions, please visit our Supporting Immigrant & Refugee Students and Families webpage, where you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions and resources for families.
Dr. Gustavo Balderas
Superintendent
Beaverton School District
