Increased ICE Enforcement Targets Schools, Churches, and Parks
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is significantly increasing enforcement operations across the United States, detaining and deporting thousands of migrants in locations previously considered safe havens, such as churches, parks, and schools. This shift in strategy has raised concerns among communities and school districts, prompting proactive measures to protect students and families.
Rising Detention Numbers and Funding
According to data analyzed by the Transactional Records Access Center (TRAC), ICE currently holds over 68,000 migrants in detention centers. This increase is supported by a $3.4 billion congressional allocation to expand detention facilities, indicating that heightened enforcement is expected to continue. The number of children in ICE custody has also risen dramatically, from an average of 25 daily detentions under the first Trump administration to nearly 170 daily detentions as of early 2026, according to data from the Deportation Data Project analyzed by The Marshall Project.
School Districts Prepare for ICE Activity
In response to these developments, school districts are implementing policies and training programs to safeguard students and families. These efforts comply with existing laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which prohibits the sharing of students’ personally identifiable information with federal agents.
Resolutions Prohibiting ICE on Campuses
Several school boards have passed resolutions explicitly prohibiting ICE agents from entering school campuses to protect students’ right to an uninterrupted education. The Cartwright School District in Phoenix, Arizona, implemented these safety measures in 2024, whereas most other districts in the area followed suit in 2025. The Washington Elementary School District (WESD) declared its schools a “Safe Zone,” stating that the district is “a place where students can learn, thrive, and seek assistance…regarding any immigration laws that interfere with their learning experience.”
Resources and Training for Families
Recognizing that over 45% of students in Arizona public schools are Hispanic or Latino, according to the Arizona Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (AZALAS), schools are providing resources such as contact information for legal assistance, immigration advocates, and “Know Your Rights” presentations and fact sheets. The Isaac School District has published a statement addressing questions about how recent federal and state changes may impact schools.
Virtual Learning Options and Legal Protections
Some school districts are offering virtual learning options for students who fear the risks of attending in-person classes. Districts continue to uphold the Supreme Court’s ruling in Plyler v. Doe (1982), which affirms that public schools cannot deny children access to education based on their immigration status, citing the harm such denial would cause to both the children and society, as well as the equal rights guaranteed by the 14th Amendment. The Balsz Elementary School District reiterated this commitment in a recent statement.
Further Information
Additional information and resources are available on school district websites and through immigrant rights organizations in the Phoenix area. More information can be found at calonews.com/arizona.