Community Board 2 committee opposes Jan. 13 directive allowing ICE access to schools; asks city for clarity and support

Community Board 2’s Schools & Education Committee on Tuesday heard an overview from Superintendent Kelly McGuire of New York City Public Schools District 2 on district protocols for handling visits from federal immigration enforcement, and the committee unanimously approved a draft resolution opposing the Jan. 13, 2025 directive allowing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) access to city schools.

The committee’s chair, Patricia Larry, opened the session and introduced Superintendent Kelly McGuire. McGuire told the committee that the district’s longstanding policy remains that “non local law enforcement are not permitted to enter our school buildings,” and that principals and office staff may not provide student-family information to nonlocal law enforcement without a legal subpoena.

Why it matters: committee members and public attendees said the directive and related federal memos have created confusion and a chilling effect among families, particularly asylum-seeking and immigrant families, and pressed the district for clearer protections, outreach and services. The committee said the resolution will be sent to the mayor, chancellor and local elected officials and will inform a forthcoming full-board action.

Superintendent McGuire described current school procedures…