Parent and teacher advocates urge OCBE to press districts for stronger protections against immigration enforcement on campuses

A community member told the Orange County Board of Education on Aug. 6 that current Orange County Department of Education guidance on immigration enforcement is insufficient and urged the board to call for local school districts to adopt stronger protections for students and staff. Robert Wojkiewicz, identifying himself as speaking on behalf of teachers and administrators he knows in Orange County, said he has seen news reports and alleged incidents in recent months in which federal immigration agents conducted operations without showing judicial warrants or identifying themselves. He said the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued directives Jan. 21, 2025, that affected prior expectations about campuses being off‑limits, and he urged the county board to "pass a resolution urging local school boards to implement policies that keep teachers and students safe." Wojkiewicz criticized OCDE guidance that, he said, advises staff to "inform the officer that no action will be taken without consulting legal counsel or the designated administrator," calling that instruction "anemic" in the face of agents who might appear masked or otherwise refuse to present a warrant. He recommended lockdown procedures and calling local police if agents attempt entry without a judicial warrant. Trustees did not take action during the meeting; the comment was received during the public-comment period. Staff did not announce a formal response at the meeting.