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Springfield leaders: schools will remain a safe place for students amid immigration enforcement concerns
Summary
Mayor Dominic Sarno, Superintendent Dr. Sonia Danniel and Congressman Rich Neal said Springfield schools remain open to all students and that the city will distinguish between violent criminals and children who attend school. Officials said counselors and community partners are ready to support families and reported no current attendance impacts.
City officials and school leaders in Springfield told reporters Feb. 10 that schools remain a safe and welcoming place for students regardless of immigration status, while also saying the city will cooperate on enforcement against violent criminals.
Mayor Dominic Sarno said the city’s obligation is to educate students who come to Springfield schools and emphasized a distinction between students and people who commit violent felony crimes. "If someone... is creating criminal activities or violent crimes, that's a different story," Sarno said. "But as far as the young people... we are there to educate them, and we never turn anybody away."
Superintendent Dr. Sonia Danniel said the district had not seen a current impact on attendance and that counselors and other staff were prepared to support students and families. "We haven't seen a current impact on our attendance. We're trusting that our students and our families know that we are here to support them. Our counselors are on the ready," she said.
Nut graf: The remarks came amid national discussion and a White House directive that officials said could affect federal programs. Local leaders sought to reassure families that school remains accessible and that supports are in place, while also stating the city will act against violent criminal activity irrespective of immigration status.
Additional comments and context
Congressman Rich Neal echoed the distinction between law-abiding immigrants and those who commit serious crimes. Neal said law-abiding immigrant workers contribute to Social Security through payroll withholding, and he described the need for a measured approach that protects students and also addresses criminal activity.
Officials said they are collaborating with community-based organizations to provide emotional and educational support for students who are anxious about enforcement actions. Superintendent Danniel pointed to district communications to families and ongoing partnerships with community groups as part of that work.
What’s next
Officials said they will continue to monitor attendance and family needs and that school counselors and partner organizations are available to provide support. No local enforcement actions or changes to enrollment policy were announced at the press event.
Ending: School and city leaders asked families to contact district staff or community partners for support and said they would issue updates if circumstances change.
