1. United States
2. Md.
3. Letter

Public schools should be places of learning, not fear. Yet across the country, ICE enforcement near schools is traumatizing children and forcing districts to cancel classes just to keep students safe. In Minnesota, ICE activity near public schools occurred the same day Renee Good was killed, triggering widespread fear and chaos. Entire school days were canceled. Families kept children home. Educators were left trying to manage panic instead of teaching. Every time ICE brings armed agents near children, the danger escalates. One wrong move, one moment of confusion, and lives can be shattered in an instant. Teachers have been detained near schools. ICE has operated near daycares. In major cities, immigrant families are pulling children out of school altogether because they are afraid. Parents no longer trust that school grounds are safe from federal agents. When students are afraid, education breaks down. Attendance drops. Mental health suffers. Trust between schools and families collapses. No child should have to choose between learning and safety. You have the power to act. You can take legal action, issue binding guidance, and make it clear that schools are off limits to ICE enforcement. You can also intervene when districts are pressured or intimidated.