Seattle Schools Address Community Concerns After ICE Alerts

At a recent School Board meeting on March 15, 2024, Seattle educators and parents gathered to discuss the distress caused by a shelter-in-place order prompted by unverified reports of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity. The meeting highlighted the emotional turmoil experienced by families and students in Seattle, as many still lack clarity about the actual events that transpired the day before.

The Seattle Public Schools (SPS) district confirmed that no ICE presence was observed at or near its campuses on March 14. The district maintained that it acted out of “an abundance of caution,” leading Mercer International Middle School, Aki Kurose Middle School, Cleveland STEM High School, and Maple Elementary to implement the precautionary measure. While these schools were correctly reported to have sheltered in place, the district mistakenly stated that Dearborn Park International and Beacon Hill International were also involved.

Sheltering in place entails locking all exterior doors while classes continue as normal indoors. This approach differs from a lockdown, where instruction is halted entirely. The specific nature of the tip-off regarding ICE activity, which led to the shelter-in-place orders, remains unclear.

During the meeting, District 7 Director Jen LaVallee expressed the community’s mixed feelings, saying, “People were scared yesterday, but also relieved to know that the school will make the decision to keep my kid safe.” SPS policy grants school principals the authority to order a shelter-in-place, typically in consultation with the district’s Safety and Security division.

Interim Superintendent Fred Podesta addressed the situation, stating that the district does not grant immigration enforcement access to school facilities without verified legal documentation. Staff are trained to meet immigration agents at the door and request credentials before allowing entry. He noted that the response to unconfirmed reports could be improved to better support principals making decisions in ambiguous situations.

“As of now, we have had no confirmation of any reports or activity near any of our buildings,” Podesta confirmed. He acknowledged the need for enhanced resources to help school leaders navigate such uncertainties, saying, “We are going to work hard to correct that.”

A special education teacher, visibly emotional, shared that many of her students did not attend school on the day of the incident. She urged the district to ensure that students understand their legal rights, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe environment conducive to learning. Another speaker, Gloria Ramirez, conveyed the confusion families face regarding immigration issues, insisting that clarity is essential for the well-being of students.

In response to the incident, SPS is ensuring that counselors, social workers, nurses, and family support workers are available to assist students. Families can also reach out to the city’s Immigrant and Refugee Affairs Rapid Response line at 844-724-3737 for further support.

On March 14, teachers took proactive measures to reassure students of their safety while explaining that learning would continue indoors. Katie Hannig, a spokesperson for the state’s Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, pointed out that each school district has its own safety protocols, which are activated based on individual assessments.

While large urban school districts across the U.S. have sometimes considered remote learning options for families concerned about ICE, a district spokesperson indicated that Seattle schools do not currently plan to implement remote options, asserting that they remain safe havens for children. The community continues to grapple with the implications of such incidents, underscoring the importance of clear communication and support for families affected by immigration enforcement activities.