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By Billal Rahman
Immigration Reporter
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Denver Public Schools (DPS) has issued a memo to staff to not allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents entry to their buildings if they don't have an appointment of business with the school, in anticipation of President Donald Trump's tough immigration policies.
Newsweek has contacted ICE for further comment via email.
Why It Matters
A promise to expel millions of undocumented migrants was at the core of Trump's campaign to win back the White House. The memo in Denver comes amid a growing divide between sanctuary cities and the Trump administration, which could become a burning issue over the next four years.
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What To Know
The memo issued by DPS superintendent Alex Marrero on January 14, highlights that the system's administrative policy is that "federal immigration law enforcement activities would not be permitted at our schools, on transportation routes, on DPS property or during school activities."
It goes on to say that if agents or government officials show up that do not have an appointment or business with the school, then they should not be allowed "entry into the building" and the school should be placed "on secure perimeter." It says that the intercom should be used "to communicate" with immigration enforcement officials.
The memo goes on to say that the official should be asked for their name, badge number, purpose of visit and whether they have a court order. It goes on to say that if the official has a court order, copies should be made and the officer should be notified that the school policy is to first "consult with the Office of General Counsel" before allowing entry.
The memo does say that employees should "not physically impede, interfere with or obstruct a government official in performing their duties," adding that if the an agent does not "comply with your directions," legal counsel should be notified.
It goes on to say that there will be additional training for the staff regarding the situation.
The move comes as Aurora Public Schools advised its staff through a memo to "politely inform federal agents the district has a process regarding requests to talk with students."
The district also stated, "There's no indication there will be immigration action in APS schools."
The memos come after ICE under Trump announced that agents will now be permitted to enter "sensitive areas," including schools, hospitals, and places of worship.
The Colorado schools' moves come as a school district in Connecticut is defying Trump's order. Bridgeport Public Schools announced on Tuesday it was sticking to previous guidelines designed to protect students in the event of an attempted raid by ICE agents at any of its schools.
"Every student in Bridgeport, regardless of their immigration status, has the right to feel secure and supported in our schools," Bridgeport interim superintendent Royce Avery said.
The ICE policy requiring agents to obtain prior approval before making arrests in sensitive locations was introduced in 2011 through a memo from then-Director John Morton. This policy remained in effect throughout the first Trump administration and continued under the Biden administration.
Under the policy, ICE agents were permitted to enter sensitive locations, such as schools, churches, and hospitals, only under specific circumstances.
These included addressing national security or terrorism threats, apprehending dangerous felons, preventing imminent risks of death or injury, or safeguarding evidence in a criminal investigation from being destroyed.
Agents were required to secure approval from their superiors before carrying out arrests in these sensitive locations.
What People Are Saying
John Fabbricatore, a former ICE field office director and Heritage Foundation traveling fellow, told NewsNation: "ICE agents have targeted cases that they're going to be going after right now. We're talking about criminal illegal aliens. We're talking about final order cases. ICE has no reason or want to go into an elementary school, junior high or high school."
Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Benjamine Huffman said in a statement: "This action empowers the brave men and women in CBP [Customs and Border Protection] and ICE to enforce our immigration laws and catch criminal aliens—including murders and rapists—who have illegally come into our country. Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America's schools and churches to avoid arrest. The Trump Administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement and instead trusts them to use common sense."
What Happens Next
ICE has yet to release any public information regarding immigration enforcement raids under the second Trump administration, leaving many communities and institutions anxious. However, the guidelines set by Denver Public Schools indicate a growing concern among institutions about the potential impact of such enforcement actions on immigrant families.
As the policy shift unfolds, it is expected that more school districts across the country will establish further protections for immigrant communities in sensitive locations.
Updated 1/24/2025 2:15 p.m. ET: This article and headline has been updated to clarify the contents of the DPS memo.
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