In a recent communication addressed to parents on February 12th, Melissa Aviles-Ramos, the Director of Education in New York City, emphasized that the policies of the New York City Department of Education remain unchanged. Schools will not collect information on students’ immigration status, and federal immigration enforcement officers are not permitted to enter schools without valid legal orders.
Director Aviles-Ramos stated, “New York City public schools are committed to protecting the right of every student to attend public schools, regardless of their immigration status, nationality, or religious beliefs.” She further added, “Our policy remains unchanged, and I encourage you to continue sending your children to school.”
During a public address posted on the Education Department’s X platform, she reiterated that non-local law enforcement agencies are never allowed to enter school campuses without judicial authorization unless in cases of emergency. The commitment of the Education Department to families remains steadfast.
On February 11th, the New York City Law Department updated guidelines for various city government agencies in response to visits from federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. The guidelines stress that city agencies should not cooperate with ICE in carrying out immigration enforcement actions without a search warrant or court order.
The updated guidelines removed provisions from the previous guidelines that stated city agency staff should allow ICE enforcement officers to enter city facilities if they “reasonably feel threatened,” even without a search warrant. This provision was seen as contradictory to New York City’s “sanctuary city” policies and could potentially infringe on the rights of undocumented immigrants. It is important to note that these latest guidelines do not apply to New York City public schools, the Department of Corrections, and the Police Department.