Community members press Round Lake board for clarity on ICE protocol and student protections

At the July 21 meeting, community members raised questions about the district's ICE response protocol and the protections in place for students and families if immigration enforcement appears on campus. Maria Ruiz Montoya asked whether U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents may come onto school property "without a judicial warrant," whether agents could interview students, and whether students would be informed of their rights. She said community members fear aggressive actions and racial profiling and asked specifically, "are ICE agents allowed on the premise without a judicial warrant?" Deputy Bennett told the speakers the administration would document the questions and follow up: "We're going to document them and... somebody on the team will call you tomorrow morning," and the board indicated it would provide a written summary of the responses to the full board. Araceli Mena, who also spoke at the public-comment period, asked what the district is doing across all schools to ensure students feel safe in light of increased ICE activity and whether families will be informed about steps to protect themselves and their children. She asked whether schools would provide materials to inform students and parents of their rights, including guidance on when to remain silent and how to seek legal or community resources. District leaders said two staff members would contact the speakers, with deputy Bennett handling immediate follow-up and a curriculum or student-services official available for questions about how protections apply by age and program. Board members asked for the administration to provide a written response to the full board. No board action or vote was taken during public comment.