Charlotte, North Carolina, July 22, 2025
News Summary
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is launching new training for principals and staff on handling interactions with ICE agents at schools. Following changes in federal policy, which now allow ICE agents to enter school grounds without permission, CMS aims to prepare staff for potential encounters. A manual outlining protocols, including documentation of interactions and safeguarding student information, has been distributed to ensure the safety and well-being of students and families impacted by these changes.
Charlotte, North Carolina – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) is implementing new training for principals and leadership teams regarding interactions with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at schools. This initiative follows a significant shift in federal guidelines that permit ICE agents to visit public school grounds.
In January, the federal government rescinded the designation that public schools were “sensitive locations,” which previously prohibited immigration enforcement actions within these spaces. As a result, ICE agents can now enter public areas of school grounds, such as lobbies, waiting areas, and parking lots, without needing explicit permission from school officials.
To prepare for possible encounters with ICE, CMS has distributed a new manual to all principals and members of the superintendent’s cabinet. This document outlines the appropriate steps administrators must take if immigration officials arrive on campus. If ICE officials are present, CMS staff are directed to immediately contact the Office of General Counsel to verify any documents presented by the agents. Notably, documents signed only by ICE officers or immigration judges (administrative warrants) do not necessitate compliance from schools.
The manual also instructs staff to document all interactions with immigration agents. This includes noting the number of agents present, their physical appearance, individuals they interacted with, and any notable behaviors observed during the visit. If a student or family member is detained, CMS staff are advised to inquire where the individual is being taken to provide necessary family support.
Additionally, the potential for ICE enforcement actions off-campus during school events or field trips has prompted the district to offer supportive measures and resources for families who may be affected. CMS has expressed that the presence of immigration enforcement on school grounds may hinder families from utilizing educational services, which could adversely impact student outcomes.
There are ongoing concerns among parents and community members regarding the implications of on-campus immigration enforcement on the safety and learning environment for students. CMS is committed to protecting the educational records and personal information of students and emphasizes its mission to provide a safe and publicly accessible education for all children, regardless of immigration status.
The Office of General Counsel provided recent training on ICE protocol at the Summer Leadership Conference for school leaders in June. CMS has made it clear that it does not collect information regarding the immigration status of students and stresses that educators cannot disclose this information if they are aware of it. CMS encourages principals to seek legal counsel from the Office of General Counsel to ascertain the validity of ICE agents’ documents before any action is taken.
Despite not having reported any incidents involving ICE on CMS property to date, the district aims to ensure staff are well-prepared for such scenarios. Furthermore, the legal framework governing these interactions grants the district limited control over encounters with immigration officials on school grounds.
Various stakeholders, including advocates for the Latino community, have expressed significant reservations about the potential intimidation and fearmongering that may arise from the presence of ICE agents at schools. CMS continues to navigate these challenges while upholding its educational mandate and safeguarding the welfare of its student population.
FAQ Section
What training is CMS providing regarding ICE visits?
CMS is training principals and leadership teams on protocols for handling interactions with ICE agents at schools, including steps to follow when immigration officials arrive on campus.
What recent changes have occurred in federal policy regarding schools?
The federal government has removed the “sensitive locations” designation for schools, allowing ICE agents to enter public areas of school grounds without prior permission from school officials.
What must staff do if ICE agents visit a school?
Staff must document the interaction, contact the Office of General Counsel to verify documents presented by ICE, and inquire about the welfare of any detained individuals.
How does CMS protect student information?
CMS is legally obligated to protect student education records and personal information, emphasizing its commitment to providing education regardless of immigration status.
What are the community concerns regarding ICE presence at schools?
Community members have expressed concerns that ICE’s presence may create an atmosphere of intimidation, potentially discouraging families from utilizing educational resources and impacting student well-being.
Key Features of CMS ICE Training and Protocols
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Training Provided | CMS is training staff on handling ICE visits with a new manual detailing proper protocols. |
| Federal Policy Change | Public schools are no longer designated as sensitive locations, allowing ICE access to certain areas without permission. |
| Compliance Guidelines | Documentation of interactions is required, and staff must contact legal counsel for document verification. |
| Student Privacy | CMS protects student information and does not ask for immigration status. |
| Community Concerns | There are worries about intimidation and its effects on student enrollment and safety. |
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Additional Resources
- WCNC: ICE and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
- Google Search: ICE Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools
- WBTV: ICE Allowed in Charlotte Schools
- Wikipedia: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- WSOC TV: ICE Can Visit School Areas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration
- QC News: CMS and ICE
- Google News: Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools ICE
- WCCB Charlotte: CMS Plan for ICE Agents
- Google Scholar: ICE presence in schools
Author: HERE Charlotte
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