All students have a constitutionally protected right to a public education, regardless of their legal status. Educators have a responsibility to foster inclusivity, empower students, and advocate for policies that create a safer and more supportive environment for immigrant families. This responsibility has become even more critical following the Trump administration’s decision to rescind a policy that prohibited ICE from conducting immigration enforcement in public schools. In response, schools can adopt policies to limit ICE enforcement on school grounds, protect student privacy, and reaffirm that education is a right for all.
Angelica Reyes, a history and ethnic studies teacher at Santee Education Complex in Los Angeles, has seen firsthand the anxiety her students face over the threat of mass deportations. After the recent presidential election, Reyes asked her students to reflect on their fears and hopes, revealing deep uncertainties.
“I’m worried about my sister—and if my dad were to be deported—what would happen to her?” wrote one student. Another student expressed concern about Trump’s promises to deport immigrants, saying, “I need to know that my family will be safe.” Despite the fear, this student held on to hope, noting, “Something that gives me hope is that there are people fighting back.”
For Reyes, an undocumented educator who relies on DACA to work, these fears hit close to home. She has seen the ripple effects of ICE sightings in her community, which have heightened anxieties. “Folks are really nervous about going to school or even buying groceries,” she said during a webinar in January 2025.
The webinar, which included educators, legal advocates, and community leaders, highlighted the growing concerns around immigration, especially after Trump’s recent actions. Days after his inauguration, Trump rescinded a longstanding policy that restricted ICE from conducting enforcement in protected spaces like hospitals, places of worship, and schools.
Educators, families, and community advocates have worked together to protect students and their families, and they continue to shape a better future for all. Immigration was a central issue in Trump’s 2024 campaign, and since his inauguration, he has taken aggressive executive actions, including attempts to end birthright citizenship and overturn policies that protect schools from immigration enforcement.
“As educators, we have a sacred responsibility to protect every student, regardless of their immigration status,” said NEA President Becky Pringle. “We must keep our students safe, especially if ICE enters our communities.”
Pringle emphasized the NEA’s commitment to ensuring that every public school is a safe space for every student and upholding the constitutional right to education. During the webinar, she called for collective responsibility, saying, “We must demand that this nation align its practices with its promises and create a society where equity and justice prevail.”
Speakers at the webinar emphasized the importance of community empowerment and practical guidance. They shared strategies from the NEA’s “Guidance on Immigration Issues” to help schools and families prepare for potential challenges. Key recommendations included adopting “Safe Zone” resolutions, hosting “Know Your Rights” workshops, creating emergency plans, and distributing “Red Cards” to help immigrants assert their rights.
The uncertainty surrounding DACA remains a pressing concern. Reyes, a DACA recipient, faces an uncertain future. “I don’t know if I’ll be able to keep my job,” she said. The NEA urged DACA recipients to renew their permits and explore pathways to permanent residence. Reyes also suggested advocating for policies that allow undocumented individuals to work legally in schools.
The NEA and its partners emphasized the importance of community empowerment in combating fear and uncertainty. Schools can host “Know Your Rights” events and build partnerships with local immigrant rights organizations. Educators can provide practical information to students and their families through “Red Cards” and emergency preparedness guides.
As immigration policies continue to evolve, the need for collective action becomes more urgent. The NEA encourages school districts to adopt proactive measures to protect the rights of all students. For Reyes, the fight for immigrant rights is personal and collective. “Our kids are scared. No learning will occur if our students are worried,” she said. “But when we unite and fight back, we are stronger than any administration.”
The NEA and its partners remind educators and communities that solidarity can shape a future where all students, regardless of immigration status, feel safe and supported.
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