Palatine parent urges district to set protocol for federal enforcement activity near schools
Summary
A parent whose child attends Sanborn Elementary asked the district to create a clear communication and safety protocol for when federal activity (ICE presence) occurs near school grounds, citing fear among students and calls for timely notification to principals, staff and families.
During the public comment period, parent Lauren Dudall described an incident involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity less than a block from Sanborn Elementary. Dudall said the district's email to families arrived too late and that students and families are now anxious because videos from the event are circulating.
"Given how close it was to the school and affecting the broader community, it would have been helpful for district 15 staff in Sanborn to be notified while it was happening," Dudall said. She asked the district to consider creating a clear communication and safety protocol to define timely notification to principals, staff and families and to guide responses such as soft lockdowns or bringing students indoors.
Dudall acknowledged the district cannot control federal enforcement operations but asked the board to adopt guidance so teachers and staff are prepared to reassure and protect students when such events occur.
Board members thanked her for speaking. The superintendent noted staff follow-up and indicated that specific operational responses would be handled by the superintendent or a designee as appropriate under the district's public‑comment guidance.
