In response to growing concerns about immigration enforcement in schools, California Attorney General Rob Bonta has released guidance aimed at ensuring a safe educational environment for all students. The resources are designed to assist students, families, educators, and school officials.
The first document provides information for school officials on how to respond if an immigration officer arrives at their school. The second document offers model policies for K-12 public schools to help them comply with state laws. The final document informs immigrant students and their families about their educational rights and legal protections. These resources are available in multiple languages at oag.ca.gov/immigrant/resources.
"Todos los niños tienen el derecho constitucional de acceder a una educación pública, sin importar su estatus migratorio," stated Attorney General Bonta. "Las escuelas deben ser un lugar seguro para que los niños aprendan y crezcan. Lamentablemente, las recientes órdenes del presidente han provocado miedo e incertidumbre en nuestras comunidades de inmigrantes. Mi oficina está comprometida a garantizar que nuestros educadores cuenten con la información necesaria para responder adecuadamente si oficiales de inmigración vienen a su centro escolar, y a que los estudiantes inmigrantes y sus familias entiendan sus derechos y protecciones conforme a la ley."
Bonta also urged schools to keep his office informed of any immigration enforcement actions taking place on school grounds by emailing immigration@doj.ca.gov. "Seguiremos vigilando de cerca este asunto, y no dudaremos en actuar si creemos que esta aplicación de la ley abusa de la autoridad federal."
The guidance includes specific instructions for school officials when faced with the presence of an immigration officer:
- Notify the designated administrator of the local educational agency of the request and inform the officer that they must receive instructions from the agency's administrator before proceeding.
- Request to see and copy or note the officer's credentials (name and badge number) and supervisor's contact number.
- Ask the officer for their reason for being there and request documentation authorizing entry into the school.
- If no exigent circumstances are declared by the officer, respond according to official documentation requirements.
- While not consenting to access unless exigent circumstances or a federal warrant is presented, do not physically block entry even if unauthorized; document actions taken by officers during their presence.
- Inform parents or guardians as soon as possible unless prevented by court order or subpoena before an officer questions or removes a student for immigration law purposes.
- Provide copies of notes and documents collected from the officer to legal counsel or designated administrators within the educational agency.
- Report any attempts by an immigration officer to enter school premises or contact students for enforcement purposes by emailing immigration@doj.ca.gov.
The complete document titled “Referencia rápida para funcionarios escolares” is available in English and Spanish.
Additionally, information on rights provided includes:
- Right to free public education: All children have equal access regardless of their or their parents' migration status under U.S. Constitution's Equal Protection Clause.
- Necessary information for enrollment: Schools should accept various documents proving age or residency without needing permanent copies.
- Confidentiality of personal information: Federal/state laws protect student records requiring parental consent before disclosure unless legally mandated otherwise.
- Right to file complaints: Children can report hate crimes/discrimination related incidents based on nationality/ethnicity/migration status.
The full guide is accessible in English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.