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Educators, parents and school leaders say immigration enforcement near schools is traumatizing students
Summary
DC school leaders and parents told the council that arrests and heavy federal/MPD presence at arrival and dismissal have frightened students, prompted new safety costs for schools and raised questions about whether calling MPD makes campuses less safe.
School leaders and parents detailed multiple recent incidents in which masked federal agents and MPD participated in detentions visible to children at school arrival and dismissal times. Daniella Anello, CEO of DC Bilingual Public Charter School, described arrests that took place within sight of children and staff: "No child should witness violence at their school doorstep," she said, and asked what policies will keep such traumatic arrests from recurring.
Rachel Johnston of the DC Charter School Alliance told the committee that some schools are spending significant, unplanned sums to keep students safe; she cited one school that had spent "over $20,000 a month" on transportation to get students to class. Speakers urged the Council and the mayor to issue clear guidance protecting children, to convene targeted conversations between MPD commanders and school leaders, and to ensure funding for mental-health and legal supports for affected families.
Committee members said they would seek additional information and expressed interest in convening follow-up meetings with education and law-enforcement officials to clarify protocols and repair trust between schools and police.
