Chancellor reassures that NYC schools remain safe following summer detentions of students by ICE.

As the new school year approaches, the New York City educational community is grappling with heightened anxiety stemming from intensified immigration enforcement. Amid reports of recent detentions involving local students, New York City Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos made a poignant plea to parents, urging them to send their children to school. Aviles-Ramos addressed concerns at the New York Immigration Coalition’s annual “Know Your Rights” press conference, stressing the commitment of the city’s public schools to support families irrespective of immigration status.

In her address, Aviles-Ramos highlighted the safety and welcoming nature of New York City Public Schools, pledging that schools would remain nurturing environments for all students. The chancellor reassured parents that the educational system is dedicated to the safety and well-being of its students, stating, “New York City Public Schools stands with all of our families, regardless of background and immigration status.”

The urgency of this message is underscored by a series of incidents over recent months in which students from the city have been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Notable cases include a Brooklyn transfer student and a six-year-old elementary student from Queens who, along with her mother, was deported to Ecuador due to fears from domestic violence.

Reports indicate that the impact of federal immigration enforcement extends beyond the high-profile cases, suggesting that dozens of minors may have encountered ICE agents in New York City over the summer. Many of these minors were reportedly deported shortly after their detention.

In an effort to mitigate fears among immigrant families, the city’s schools are proactively implementing various support initiatives. These include resource fairs, the establishment of care closets stocked with essentials, and extensive training for staff and volunteers on protocols to assist families facing deportation risks. Additionally, personnel are assigned to homeless shelters, and monthly meetings focus on addressing the unique needs of immigrant students.

When a student or their family member faces detention, schools are prepared to connect families with legal resources. Supportive measures such as letters from school teams and legal assistance through the city’s Law Department are also being offered.

At the press conference, a representative from the New York Immigration Coalition emphasized the widespread fear permeating immigrant communities. Parents expressed anxieties about enrolling their children in schools, fearing potential repercussions. This sentiment was echoed by union officials, who noted the detrimental effects of these immigration policies on student attendance and well-being.

The United Federation of Teachers (UFT) has committed to ensuring that families feel secure in their communications with schools, reassuring them that their emergency contact information will remain confidential. Union vice president Mary Vaccarro emphasized the readiness of teachers and staff to support students during transit to and from school.

While addressing immediate concerns regarding deportation, advocates also raised alarms about potential declines in educational quality following the rescindment of federal guidelines on supporting non-English speaking students by the Trump administration. Legal advocates are urging parents to recognize their rights to appropriate educational services for their children, emphasizing the importance of seeking help without fear of repercussions.

As schools prepare to reopen on September 4th, the collective message from educators, advocates, and administrators is clear: New York City Public Schools remain dedicated to creating safe and supportive learning environments for all students, regardless of their immigration status. The ongoing dialogues and initiatives aim to foster confidence, ensuring that all families feel welcomed and empowered within the educational system.