With the new presidential term in full swing, shifts have been made in the United States which promote the frequency charges by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the implementation of an Increased Immigration Enforcement.
ICE raids have been on the rise around the U.S., President Trump’s goal being to deport individuals without legal U.S. citizenship.
Schools face a similar risk, despite the laws prohibiting law enforcement from entering.
“There are a number of different avenues throughout the state and federal government that are still going through interpreting what this law means. We have had direction from the district office about our response, but at the same time, we’re still trying to figure out the actual interpretation of the law,” said Dr. O’brien, Principal at Plainfield East High School (PEHS).
“Our policy, in general, is that no law enforcement from the exterior is able to disrupt the school day. So, obviously, ICE would fall under law enforcement. ICE, or other law enforcement agencies, are simply not allowed in our building,” said Dr. Romeli, Assistant Principal at PEHS and member of the district safety committee.
As a member of the district safety committee, Dr. Romeli has worked firsthand with considering student safety.
“Basically, we look at all aspects of school safety. That was a part of the discussion we had as a committee to bring back to buildings. I do know that parents have called, we’ve worked with families and we’ve made it clear that this is a safe place to come and learn and grow,” said Romeli.
Past the legal interpretations administration faces, there is a personal aspect to handling judiciality.
“Anytime a student is affected negatively, I’m affected because I’m in this for the students. If there was a student or a family that was affected there would be an emotional connection because we’re in the business of students. For me, personally, that’s what hits me,” said Romeli.
School administration is focused on the safety of students, “Young adults go to school and it’s a safe environment. That’s what we are going to uphold on our end. To continue to make sure that our students feel safe and not have to deal with some of the outside noise that’s going on,” said O’brien.
With ICE raids prevalent in current news, abiding by laws aids schools like PEHS to maintain protection in education.
**Have more questions? Read the full interview with Dr. Romeli and Dr. O’brien here
