Public speakers at the Nov. 4 Del Valle ISD School Board meeting urged the district to adopt a formal trauma response plan to help students whose families are affected by immigration enforcement.

Katrina Van Hooten Houghton told trustees she has seen students come to school “crying…distracted, terrified” after family members were detained and asked the board to create a protocol like the district used during the COVID‑19 crisis. She said the district should name an immediate support person for any student whose parent or guardian is detained, compile a list of resources (legal aid, counseling and community partners), and provide staff training so teachers and counselors “know how to respond without fear or confusion.”

Amina Dosani, a counselor at Valley High School, said the district’s prior guidance following earlier concerns was “a great start,” but recent incidents—including a parent being detained during the school day—showed the need for updated, districtwide procedures. Dosani said staff have improvised supports but lack a single, written protocol for steps to take when immigration enforcement affects a student.

Board President Wagner and board members acknowledged the comments; the matter was raised during public comment and was not the subject of any formal motion or vote at the meeting. Trustees and administrators did not adopt a districtwide policy on the item at the Nov. 4 session but discussed continuing the conversation and coordinating with staff.