Orange county schools prepare for ICE presence

School districts across Orange county are preparing for the unprecedented scenario of ICE agents appearing on school grounds.

As students in Orange County return to school after summer break—a period marked by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests and deportations that have shaken the region—several school districts are reinforcing their policies and staff training to address the potential presence of ICE agents on campuses.

Officials from five Orange County school districts in Santa Ana, Anaheim, Garden Grove, Costa Mesa, and Orange—key areas of ICE operations—told Voice of OC that schools would lock down, secure classrooms, and continue instruction if ICE agents appear on or near school grounds.

Officials stated that agents would not be allowed to enter schools without a federal court order.

Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva expressed concern that ICE raids could deter immigrant families from leaving their homes, potentially impacting school attendance. "This could be a huge budget hit for the school districts," she warned.

Elementary school students prepare for class in Santa Ana, Orange County, California. Photo: Voice of OC

Elementary school students prepare for class in Santa Ana, Orange County, California. Photo: Voice of OC

On 11/8, a 15-year-old student with disabilities at Arleta High School was nearly apprehended by ICE agents who misidentified him, pointed guns at him, handcuffed him, and took him away. His family intervened, and after several minutes of arguing, the agents released him. The principal had to step outside to assess the situation.

This incident occurred just 4 days before the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) began its new school year after summer break. LAUSD immediately announced that school police, staff, and volunteers would form protective rings around at least 100 schools as the new semester began.

Following the incident in Los Angeles, Orange County school districts reviewed and expanded safe passage routes to schools.

The Anaheim Union High School District stated that it spent the summer break refining its procedures for responding to the presence of ICE agents on campuses. "We will implement a level two lockdown, closing gates and entrances around the school, and classrooms will be locked. Teachers will continue teaching," said Jaron Fried, the district's associate superintendent. "This gives the school time to verify the ICE agents' identities and the legality of their warrants."

If ICE agents do not have a warrant signed by a judge, they will not be permitted to speak with the student or staff member they are seeking. "If they become aggressive, the administration can elevate the lockdown to level three, which is used in cases of on-campus shootings," Fried added.

If ICE has a legitimate warrant, the student or staff member will be escorted out to meet the agents, rather than allowing them onto school grounds.

Santa Ana Unified School District headquarters in Orange County, California. Photo: Voice of OC

Santa Ana Unified School District headquarters in Orange County, California. Photo: Voice of OC

The Garden Grove Unified School District employs a lockdown procedure similar to Anaheim's if ICE activity occurs near school grounds. According to its 2021 response policy, school administrators must notify district leadership if ICE agents appear on campus. "We value our predominantly immigrant families and are committed to doing everything we can to ensure their safety," district spokesperson Abby Broyles told Voice of OC.

The Orange Unified School District also implemented a policy in January to address the presence of ICE. Superintendent Rachel Monarrez stated that agents would have to present a federal court order before being allowed on campus. Buildings would be locked down, and classes would continue as usual.

At the Santa Ana Unified School District, school administrators have been instructed to immediately contact the district if ICE agents approach a school. ICE agents are only allowed to enter a school or access student information with a legitimate court order reviewed by the district’s legal counsel. "The goal is to minimize disruption to instruction, ensure students are always supervised, and inform families of any incidents affecting school operations," said district spokesperson Fermin Leal.

The school districts are also providing additional resources to support immigrant students and their families. Anaheim Union High School District, Garden Grove Unified, Orange Unified, and Santa Ana Unified have organized forums, webinars, and "Know Your Rights" handbooks to provide information and help families plan for potential raids.

Anaheim Union High School District and Garden Grove Unified allow students to learn online at home or participate in blended learning programs if families are afraid to send their children to school. Garden Grove Unified has also expanded its bus transportation options for families.