Henrico Schools says it is a 'safe place' for immigrant students following nationwide ICE raids

Henrico Schools officials sent a message to families Wednesday stating that the division would welcome students “regardless of their immigration status” and continue to abide by policies that limit law enforcement access to students at school.

The statement comes after President Donald Trump ended a policy that restricted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement authorities from making arrests in “sensitive” areas such as schools, hospitals, churches and other places of worship, leaving many families concerned about immigration agents entering local school buildings.

“We know families may have questions about student safety, privacy and visitor protocols, given national news regarding potential immigration enforcement on school campuses,” HCPS’ statement reads. “Be assured, our schools remain safe communities of care for every student.”

The statement also said that HCPS does not collect information on a student’s immigration status when they enroll, and that local and federal policies limit the ability for law enforcement agencies to access student information as well as contact with students. 

“HCPS is a safe place where students are welcomed and supported in their learning regardless of their immigration status. In fact, schools do not even collect that information when students enroll or at any time. Further, HCPS policies and federal law limit law enforcement agencies from accessing information about students and limits the contact they can have with students at school.”

While HCPS and the Henrico Police Division have a memorandum of understanding, all other visits to school campuses by other agencies or individuals would be subject to HCPS’ school visitor policy, according to HCPS spokesperson Eileen Cox. Under the visitor policy, individuals must report to the school’s administrative office, show government-issued photo identification, and receive permission to visit.

On Jan. 20, Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman stated that sensitive areas such as schools were no longer off-limits to ICE agents, saying, “Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest.” Over the past week, ICE officials have made over 3,500 arrests nationwide.

Henrico Schools has seen its immigrant population quickly increase during the past decade, with 1,866 new English learner students identified in the past five years. HCPS’ English learners make up about 13% of the student body, with the majority being Spanish speakers.

HCPS will continue to embrace a diverse and inclusive learning environment going forward, according to the division’s statement.

“HCPS proudly serves a richly diverse and inclusive community where every student and employee is valued, respected, and supported,” the statement reads. “While we recognize that our community is made up of individuals with varying perspectives and beliefs, we have a shared commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students and staff members in our schools.”

The division shared links to a number of local, state, and federal resources for immigrant families, including legal services, “Know your Rights” immigrant guidelines, and the National Immigration Detention Hotline.

Richmond Public Schools also released a statement amid the new ICE policy on Monday, with superintendent Jason Kamras promising families that schools would be a “safe haven” and that law enforcement would only be allowed on campuses if it “enhances the safety and well-being” of students and staff.

On social media, several Henrico officials shared personal statements on the new ICE policy. Henrico School Board member Ryan Young (Fairfield District) and vice-chair Madison Irving (Three Chopt District) both promised to ensure HCPS as a safe place for all students no matter their background.

“As a father of a daughter with a Hispanic background, I personally understand the importance of ensuring every child feels like they belong in their schools and community,” said Young. “ I stand firmly with all of our families who contribute to the rich diversity and strength of our community.”

“We will do everything in our power to ensure that our schools remain a safe place for each and every student,” said Irving.

Board of Supervisors member Misty Roundtree (Three Chopt District) also commented, urging HCPS and school officials to protect students on their campuses and uphold the “sanctity of the school building.”

“I do not support ICE in our schools or the dissemination of student information for purposes of targeting families,” she said. “I encourage our school superintendent and school board to ensure that teachers, staff and administrators are not called upon to violate the sanctity of the school building or the trust of the young people they are tasked with educating and protecting.”

Liana Hardy is the Citizen’s Report for America Corps member and education reporter. Her position is dependent upon reader support; make a tax-deductible contribution to the Citizen through RFA here.