ICE Going After School Children at Bus Stops

The Worcester School Dept. has warned bus drivers and teachers that ICE are attempting to detain children and parents at school bus stops. I will keep publishing information about the Mass Deportation. If you don’t want to see articles like this, feel free to unsubscribe.

Worcester schools vow to shield students from immigration agents

January 22, 2025|Education, Government

Superintendent Rachel H. Monárrez reaffirms policies as President Trump removes protections for schools as safe havens

By Jason Bleau

WORCESTER—Worcester Public Schools Superintendent Rachel H. Monárrez has made it clear the district will defend students against immigration agents after policies put forth by President Donald Trump removed the protection of schools as safe havens.

Immigration has taken center stage in the early days of Trump’s second term. On Jan. 21, acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman announced the removal of restrictions on enforcing immigration laws in “sensitive” areas like schools and places of worship. ICE (immigration) and CBP (customs) agents can now detain individuals in these locations without restriction.

A DHS statement explained the move, emphasizing a focus on apprehending “criminal aliens,” including those accused of serious crimes. “Criminals will no longer hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest,” the statement read, adding that the administration trusts law enforcement to exercise “common sense.”

The removal of these limitations has raised concerns about the potential that children of parents without legal status could be detained while at school. Monárrez saw fit to release a letter to students and parents, also posted on the district’s website, promising Worcester will protect students from ICE or any immigration agents.

“A free, public education is a cornerstone of our democracy,” Monárrez wrote. “Worcester Public Schools (WPS) is committed to educating all children, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or immigration status. WPS is steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the safety, well-being, and rights of all our children.” 

Her letter outlined key district policies, including: not inquiring about families’ immigration status, not sharing records with ICE without a court order or parental consent, and denying ICE agents access to school families without a criminal judicial warrant signed by a federal judge. Worcester Public Schools also prohibits ICE agents from accessing school facilities based on administrative warrants, ICE detainers, or other civil immigration enforcement documents.

The superintendent further clarified that students will only be released to their authorized parents or guardians and that staff have received guidelines on “protecting students’ rights, responding to ICE interactions, and supporting students whose parents or guardians may be detained during the school day.”

An internal memo was released to staff containing more detailed instructions on how to handle any interaction with immigration agents leading to several smaller departmental communications. One such memo from the transportation director was leaked on social media instructing bus drivers that “if you are aware of any agents being at a stop, DO NOT let any student off the bus and contact the transportation office immediately.” 

With the memo and letter sparking increased conversation, Monárrez issued a follow-up statement on Jan. 22 clarifying that Worcester Public Schools reported no actual sightings of ICE agents and that her statements referred to any potential interaction with the agency.

“Worcester Public Schools issued this letter to students, staff, and families to clarify existing policies and procedures for how the district would handle any future interactions with federal immigration authorities should they arise,” she said. “We also shared an internal memo with all staff that contained greater detail. Department directors or school leaders have shared additional information with their staff based on that memo so that staff know how to handle possible events.”

Jason Bleau is a longtime reporter from the Quiet Corner of Connecticut with more than 11 years of experience working in news media. He can be reached at bleau.jason@yahoo.com

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