Supporting Our Immigrant, Refugee, and Undocumented Students & Families

Understanding Warrants

A warrant is a formal order permitting the arrest or detention of an individual. ICE may arrive with one of the following documents:

1. No warrant at all
2. An administrative warrant
3. A judicial warrant

EXAMPLE: Judicial vs. Administrative Warrant

No Warrant Action

• Contact your district office, principal, or a designated school official immediately.
• Remain calm and respectfully say: “I’m not able to speak with you at this moment without a valid warrant. I kindly request that you leave.”
• Avoid further discussion.

Administrative Warrant Identification

• Issued by ICE or a related agency (TSA, FEMA, U.S. Secret Service, CBP, USCIS), not by a court.
• Typically displays “Department of Homeland Security” and may include a form number starting with “i.”

Administrative Warrant Action

1. Contact your district office, principal, or designated school official immediately. 
2. Keep doors secured and avoid granting access to the school.
3. Calmly explain you are unable to comply with the administrative warrant since it is not court-issued.
4. You may designate a specific welcome area or public common space, if needed.

Judicial Warrant Identification

• Issued by a court, typically stating “United States District Court.”
• Signed by a judge and specifies who is to be arrested or what is to be seized.

Judicial Warrant Action

1. Contact your district office, principal, or a designated school official immediately.
2. Follow the instructions outlined in the valid judicial warrant, remaining calm.
3. If possible, discreetly document the encounter (e.g., with video or notes) for accuracy.
4. Promptly inform your principal or district office.
5. Contact an immigration lawyer for further guidance.

For more information: PSESD Guide For Limiting Immigration Enforcement in Schools

Preparations Before An ICE Visit

1. Regularly Update & Emergency Preparedness Plan

• Provide parents/guardians with opportunities (e.g., online forms, paper forms, text/email reminders) to update emergency contacts, alternative caretakers, and authorized pick-up contacts.
• Use a variety of communication methods.
• Template Letter for requesting updates

2. Share Emergency Planning Resources with Families

• Emergency Planning Guide for Parents with Uncertain Immigration Status: English Guide | Spanish Guide
• Immigrant Safety Plan for Youth and Children
• Distribute via school websites, parent meetings, newsletters, social media, and school apps.

3. Ensure Safe Student Return Policies

• Review policies for situations where a student is not picked up.
• Establish protocols for unclaimed students.
• Coordinate with local child welfare agencies (e.g., DCYF) to ensure students have safe alternatives.

4. Support Students and Families Facing Anxiety

• Be mindful of students and families directly affected by changes to federal immigration policy (e.g., minority, immigrant, BIPOC communities).
• Offer resources or referrals to counseling or supportive services.

5. Establish Procedures for ICE Visitations and Interactions

• Educate Staff: Train employees to distinguish between judicial and administrative warrants.
• Plan for ICE Visit: Identify who will communicate with ICE, have a backup designee, secure offices/hallways, and determine how updates will be relayed to staff and students.
• Template Memo for Internal Staff Protocol

6. Define the Role of School Resource Officers (SRO/SSO)

• Clarify how SROs/SSOs should be involved in immigration-related matters.
• Ensure they follow school policy and prioritize student safety.

7. Develop a Communication Plan for ICE Visits

• Pre-Visit Planning: Train staff on protocols; have legal resources ready.
• During Visit: Activate the crisis response team; communicate calmly within the school.
• After Visit: Send a clear message to families about what occurred and provide available resources.

8. Partner with Child Welfare Agencies

• Form connections with DCYF and local support organizations in advance.
• Outline procedures to safely place students if parents/guardians are unavailable.

For more information: PSESD Guide For Limiting Immigration Enforcement in Schools

Procedures When Ice Arrives

1. Initial Verification

• Verify Documents: Do not allow ICE agents into the school until the nature of their warrant is confirmed.
• Confirm with Leadership: Contact your district office, principal, or a designated school official as soon as possible to discuss the next steps.

2. On-Site Response

• If It’s an Administrative Warrant: Keep doors secured and politely decline to comply because it is not court-issued.
• If It’s a Judicial Warrant:
  • Have the principal or a designated school official meet the agents at the door.
  • Limit their access to the scope of the warrant.

3. Student and Staff Safety

• Safety Measures:
  • Support students and staff by guiding them away from areas where ICE is present.
  • Ensure a designated school official is present if any interviews occur.
• Communication:
  • Reach out to school staff and your crisis response team as soon as it is safe.
  • Notify parents/guardians at an appropriate time.
  • Work closely with district leadership to maintain consistency in communication.

4. Documentation and Legal Follow-Up

• Record the Encounter: Keep a thorough record—through notes, video, or both—of all interactions, including dates, times, names, and actions taken.
• Legal Consultation: Consult with an immigration lawyer immediately afterward for guidance.

For more information: PSESD Guide For Limiting Immigration Enforcement in Schools

What To Do During an ICE Visit

1. Direct ICE Agents to a Designated Public Area

• Politely direct ICE agents to a secure public space (e.g., front office, conference room).
• Avoid allowing them to move freely around the school.

2. Staff Reminders

• Staff do not have to answer questions from ICE.
• Do not provide student information unless legally required by a valid judicial warrant.
• If approached by ICE, direct them to the designated liaison.

3. Ensure ICE Stays Within the Scope of Their Warrant

• Ask to see the warrant immediately.
• Verify that it is signed by a judge (rather than an ICE-issued administrative warrant).
• If the warrant only applies to certain areas or individuals, make sure ICE does not exceed those limits.

4. Document & Record the Entire Visit 

• Designate a staff member to keep a thorough record (video or notes).
• Note agent names, badge numbers, warrant details, and any verbal exchanges.
• Maintain a log of all ICE-related visits for legal review.

5. Protect Student Rights

• A school representative should be present at all times if a student is approached.
• Notify a student’s parent/guardian before any questioning, if possible.
• The student should not be pressured to speak with ICE.
• Students should understand their right to remain silent and have legal counsel.

6. Minimize Student Fear & Disruptions

• Consider a “HOLD” procedure to keep students in classrooms.
• Encourage staff to remain calm in their communication.
• Avoid alarming school-wide announcements; communicate only necessary instructions to staff.

7. Contact Parents/Guardians Immediately 

• If a student is requested for an interview, call their parent/guardian right away.
• Provide families with legal support resources as needed.
• If ICE attempts to detain a student, follow legal and school policies to safeguard their rights.
• Contact WAISN for assistance (844-724-3737).

For more information: PSESD Guide For Limiting Immigration Enforcement in Schools

Plan For After an ICE Visit 

1. Debrief with Staff & Key Personnel

• Arrange a timely debriefing session with administrators, legal counsel, and the crisis response team.
• Review the events, confirm whether protocols were followed, and discuss opportunities for improvement.
• Document any student or staff interactions with ICE.
• Provide mental health support for staff if needed.

2. Notify Parents & Guardians

• Prepare a calm and factual message ahead of time about how to inform families.
• If specific students were directly involved, call their parents/guardians to explain the situation and offer resources.
• General Schoolwide Notification (if necessary):
  • Reassure families via email, text, or letter about the school’s commitment to student safety.
  • Example Letter

3. Provide Emotional & Mental Health Support for Students

• Identify students who may have been affected (directly or indirectly).
• Have school counselors available for individual or group conversations.
• Train staff to recognize signs of trauma, anxiety, or distress.

4. Document & Review the Incident

• Securely store all notes, videos, and records of the ICE visit.
• Document agent names, legal documents presented, a timeline of events, and any policy or safety concerns.
• Consult with district staff and legal counsel to address any follow-up actions.

5. Prepare for a Press Conference if Needed

• When it May Be Necessary:
  • High-profile ICE visit (e.g., media present, student detainment).
  • Widespread community concern or misinformation.
  • Advocacy groups or public officials requesting transparency. 
• When It May Not Be Needed:
  • Low-impact visit with no direct student involvement.
  • Effective internal communication has already occurred.
  • A written statement or community meeting may suffice.

6. Enact Protocol for Student Care

• If a student is left without proper care following an ICE encounter or parents are absent at pick-up time, follow the school’s crisis plan.
• Contact DCYF to ensure the student has safe care or placement options.

For more information: PSESD Guide For Limiting Immigration Enforcement in Schools