
Mere days after his inauguration, President Donald Trump revoked the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s “Protect Areas” enforcement policy, which prevented schools, churches and hospitals from being raided by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
This policy was made with the intention of giving the public security and granting them access to public services and activities without interference. Without this policy, minority groups and officials within the United States share concern about what is yet to come.
Viridiana Carrizales, the founder of Immschools, shared with ABC News her worries about the new immigration plans considering the outcomes in the previous years.
“It could maybe pose a threat and become even more real, or even more heightened or intense, than what they experienced in 2017,” Carrizales said.
According to the Pew Research Center, in 2022 there was an estimated population of 900,000 unauthorized immigrants in the state of Florida. The raiding of protected areas will undoubtedly alter the lifestyles of many.
The Florida Department of Education declared it will comply with the federal immigration enforcement on its campuses. For students, this can mean a heightened sense of fear and hindered academic performance. If students are unable to trust the educational environment to be a designated zone of learning, then they may avoid the premises entirely. As for educators, this can mean a drastic decline in attendance, in which educators will face challenges in assisting all students equally.
Leon County Schools (LCS) took to its official website to address the new federal laws in a safe schools statement. Administrators have announced they will continue to enforce Board Policy 5540, requiring parental consent to access students and protecting students rights to a public education. They also plan to offer emotional support to families personally affected by the new law.
“Leon County Schools is committed to providing a world-class education in a safe environment for all students—regardless of immigration status.” LCS shared. “LCS counselors have been trained to provide support for students and families who may be impacted by changes to federal law.”
In Orlando, Florida, Orange County Public Schools shared emails months prior regarding the issue, detailing what protocols staff should follow if law enforcement officers were to arrive on campus insisting on interviews or arrests.
In Kissimmee, Florida, Osceola County Schools released a memo that was sent to principals, superintendents, and administrators regarding the issue.
“The school district shall not interfere with law enforcement actions and must comply with lawfully issued warrants and subpoenas.” the memo stated.
Governor Ron DeSantis has openly complied with the new enforcement and strictly emphasizes the importance of cooperation with law enforcement and federal immigration agencies like ICE. During a special session on immigration, Ron DeSantis shared his beliefs on the new federal policies.
“Florida is ready to lead… With President Trump taking office, Florida has a unique opportunity to help facilitate the end to America’s immigration crisis.” DeSantis said.