Superintendent outlines school protocols for ICE visits as community urges Grand Rapids Public Schools to declare sanctuary status

Superintendent Dr. Leidrian Roby presented an overview of Grand Rapids Public Schools' protocols for handling visits by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the board's Jan. 13 meeting and described steps the district is taking to share information and support families.

Roby said the district has clarified procedures for responding to visitors, including federal agents: visitors are to be greeted at the main office, asked to state their purpose and show identification, and school staff should not release students without appropriate documentation. She cited protections under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and noted district counsel and partnerships with local law enforcement and elected officials to ensure accurate guidance.

In response to board questions, Roby said enforcement actions in "protected areas" historically have narrow exceptions (for example, imminent risk or hot pursuit) and that in most cases visitors are stopped at the office and school officials may require a warrant before releasing student information or permitting further access. She said the district is preparing communications for families and staff and will reconvene the topic at a work session at month's end.

Public comment at the meeting included multiple students and community members who urged the board to adopt a sanctuary-district policy. Students who identified themselves as members of the Student Association for Leadership and Transformation (SALT) asked the board to formally designate Grand Rapids Public Schools as a sanctuary district to protect families facing immigration enforcement. Parents, community organizers and educators likewise called for a clear, public policy and for outreach to immigrant families explaining how schools will respond.

Board members and speakers referenced guidance documents including a 2021 memorandum and earlier federal guidance that treat schools as sensitive or protected locations; a board member noted that an administration change at the federal level could alter enforcement policy and urged the board to plan accordingly. Roby said the district will continue to share resources, encourage families to update contact information and coordinate with legal counsel and community partners.

The board set the matter for additional discussion at an upcoming work session and signaled a commitment to provide updated resources and to walk through scenario planning with the board and community.