Board reviews immigration/ICE protocols and plans deeper policy committee review
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Summary
Trustees reviewed two immigration/ICE protocol documents in the packet and recommended a deeper policy-committee review with outside resources; discussion focused on who verifies warrants at schools, training, and how to manage noncompliance.
The board reviewed packet materials on immigration and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protocols and agreed to pursue a more detailed policy review through the policy committee.
Board members said the packet included a high-level document and a more operational protocol. Trustees asked who should verify warrants or subpoenas presented at school buildings; staff described the expected workflow: officers present documents at the school office, the principal or school staff notify central office, and central office would route the matter to the superintendent's office and legal counsel for verification.
One trustee warned of on-the-ground risks: "I am concerned that once inside the building some officers might not even listen to that or just keep going," and asked whether the district could require that officers remain in a confined office area until verification is complete. Staff and other trustees said secure vestibules and office protocols are standard practice, and that failure to follow district practices could be addressed through performance management.
Trustees asked that the policy committee collect model policies from neighboring districts and professional associations; staff referenced resources from the superintendents' association and suggested inviting outside experts such as the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center or National Immigration Law Center to brief the board. Several members requested that a smaller policy work group (three or fewer members) draft baseline policies and bring a deeper analysis back to a future work session.
Next steps: staff will collect model policies, schedule a policy-committee review or work session, and gather additional external resources and training recommendations for the board to consider.
