Riverside Unified adopts updated immigration‑enforcement policy after heated public comment

The Riverside Unified School District Board of Education on Feb. 12 adopted an updated policy governing the district’s response to immigration enforcement, moving to codify protections the district says it already practices and to meet new state deadlines.

The policy, renumbered BP 14‑45 and enacted under a motion to amend and renumber the previous policy, limits voluntary collection or disclosure of students’ or employees’ citizenship or immigration information and prohibits staff from granting immigration‑enforcement officers access to nonpublic areas of district property or district transportation unless presented with a valid judicial subpoena, warrant or court order. The board vote to adopt the policy carried after discussion and public comment.

The decision followed prolonged public comment by students, parents and community advocates who urged stronger protections and clearer communications. “RUSD is failing its students by violating constitutional rights to engage in protected political speech,” student speaker Jairo told the board during public input, adding that students who organized peaceful walkouts had faced what he described as “intimidation, threats, and retaliation.” Another parent, Abigail Jay, warned the board that a paragraph in the draft policy could be read to require staff to permit officers onto campuses even without required documentation.

Superintendent Sonia Yamas sought to reassure the community about district practice. “In confirming with local law enforcement and school administration, there have been no ICE agents on any of our campuses,” she said, adding that district leadership would notify the community if that ever changed. Office of General Counsel and outside counsel explained that the policy follows model guidance from the California attorney general and AB 495 (Education Code §234.7), and that a “do not physically interpose” clause is intended to prevent staff from placing themselves in harm’s way rather than to authorize unfettered access by enforcement.

Under the newly adopted language, staff must refuse or request identification and legal documentation when an officer seeks access to a bus, a nonpublic area of campus, student records or personnel files, and must report enforcement requests to the superintendent or designee. The policy also directs the superintendent to provide parents and guardians with specified notifications about students’ rights and available resources.

Board members framed the vote as both a statutory obligation and a reaffirmation of district priorities. Trustee Lee said the district had adopted protective measures years earlier and that the updated policy would be accompanied by implementation guidance and staff training; district officials said administrative regulations and quick‑reference guidance for site staff will follow the board action.

The board’s action concludes the item required by state law to be in place by March 1, 2026. The superintendent and district staff said they will continue outreach with parent groups and community organizations to provide clarity on what the policy requires and on resources available to families.