School social worker urges board to remember immigrant students after student deported

Casey Stokes Rodriguez, a social worker at John Harris High School, told the Harrisburg City School District board that immigrant students continue to face legal and practical hardships and urged trustees to act when district advocacy opportunities arise.

Stokes Rodriguez recounted the case of a student she identified as Oscar, who came alone from Honduras at age 14. She said he lived independently, attended school and worked after classes to pay rent and legal fees. Stokes Rodriguez said Oscar was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in June, held at the Moshannon Valley Processing Center for three months and deported back to Honduras last week despite the district’s attempts to provide legal and community support.

“Oscar’s hands and feet were shackled, and he was put on a plane and deported back to Honduras last week, where he now faces an uncertain future,” Stokes Rodriguez said. She said teachers and staff supported Oscar through hearings and fundraising but could not prevent his removal.

Stokes Rodriguez told the board that many immigrant students are afraid to leave home, go to stores or attend school because of immigration enforcement. She asked trustees to support local measures that would provide protections and resources, and specifically urged board members and the public to contact county commissioners in support of a welcoming‑county resolution scheduled for a vote the next day.

Stokes Rodriguez also asked the board to support teachers and support staff who provide day‑to‑day advocacy for students facing trauma and family instability.

Ending

The board acknowledged the comment; no formal action was taken at this meeting. Stokes Rodriguez’s remarks were delivered during the general public comment portion of the Sept. 9 meeting.