Residents urge Lewiston schools to take visible steps to reassure immigrant students after ICE activity

Multiple speakers used the committee’s public comment period to urge more visible and proactive district action to support immigrant students and families following recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in the area.

Speakers — including one who identified themselves as a neighbor and Martin Chartrand, a behavioral‑health professional — said many families experienced fear, emotional stress and uncertainty during recent enforcement events. They asked the district to ensure counseling and trauma‑informed supports are proactively available, to develop contingency remote‑learning plans for students who feel unsafe, and to improve direct communication and outreach so families know what supports exist.

Chartrand described seeing teachers constrained from discussing immigration concerns directly and urged the committee to clarify staff guidance so teachers and resource staff can safely and factually explain students’ rights and available supports. "One thing that we can control is are those things. We can offer tools and support to families and young people," he said. Commenters also urged the committee to avoid public statements that could reinforce harm or stereotypes.

The superintendent and committee members acknowledged the concern and said the district has offered counseling and supports in similar past events. The superintendent said the district’s student resource center and partner organizations are already working with affected families and that staff will continue to share available therapeutic resources for staff and students.

What’s next: Members requested follow‑up and indicated they may consider a formal statement or resolution affirming district commitments; they also asked administration to document the supports available and to consider outreach and contingency planning for students affected by enforcement activity.