NORWALK – Mayor Harry Rilling and school Superintendent Alexandra Estrella have sent the community an open letter reassuring parents of students that Immigration and Customs Engagement (ICE) agents are not allowed to enter city schools without a warrant.
A Bridgeport nonprofit that protects undocumented youth and their families also criticized the Trump administration’s ICE raids in schools and churches to seek out illegal immigrants and deport them.
“Recent changes to federal immigration policy (the Laken Riley Act) have removed schools from the list of locations traditionally considered sensitive for immigration enforcement,” the Feb. 4 letter reads. “These ch
anges have understandably prompted concerns within our community. The safety and well-being of every student in Norwalk Public Schools are at the core of our values.
“We want to make clear that Norwalk Public Schools and the City of Norwalk welcome all resident children into our schools without consideration of race, religion, creed, gender, physical or intellectual disability, socioeconomic status, or immigration status.”
The letter describes the state laws on the books that protect students in such matters.
“Connecticut has a number of laws in place to protect students in this matter,” the letter continues. “The Multilingual Learner Bill of Rights states that all students have the right to attend public school, regardless of immigration status. Connecticut’s Trust Act limits the authority of local police departments to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).”
“At this time, there is a low likelihood that ICE agents will attempt to enter schools with a valid judicial warrant,” Rilling and Estrella wrote.
Norwalk Public Schools has issued guidance regarding non-local law enforcement and ICE actions.
The district follows several guidelines including prohibiting access to school facilities, students, or records without legal authority, requiring judicial warrants in order to enter school property, and initiating an immediate legal review with counsel upon the arrival of ICE agents or non-local law enforcement. Access to school facilities, students, or records will not be granted without explicit authorization from legal counsel and the required warrants.
The Connecticut Department of Education has also issued guidance for public K-12 schools pertaining to immigration activities which can be found on their website.
The City of Norwalk has many community partners who are ready and able to provide assistance and support to families who have questions or are in need of resources. Residents are asked to contact the Community Resource Hub in the Department of Community Services at (203) 854-7999 or 2-1-1 to seek assistance. Translators are available in Spanish and Haitian Creole.
Bridgeport reaction
Connecticut Students for a Dream (C4D), a Bridgeport-bases youth-led statewide network fighting for the rights of undocumented youth and their families, issued a statement recently condemning the raids.
“There is nothing more un-American than violating the sacred tradition of sanctuary,” said Tabitha Sookdeo, C4D executive director. “C4D condemns ICE’s cruel and cowardly tactics of targeting children in our schools, churches, and hospitals — spaces meant for community, safety and healing.
“At C4D, we stand united and unshaken. Our resolve to building power in communities across Connecticut is stronger than ever, thanks to the support of many! We will fight fiercely, we will stand strong, and we will not back down.”
