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News / Northwest

WA schools stand firm in protecting undocumented students amid Trump’s deportation plans

By Reneé Dìaz, The Wenatchee World
Published: January 22, 2025, 8:35am

WENATCHEE — President Donald Trump, sworn into office Monday alongside Vice President JD Vance, announced plans to pursue mass deportations of undocumented immigrants on his first day in office. Meanwhile, Washington state schools have declared their commitment to safeguarding undocumented students, vowing to uphold their rights and ensure access to education despite federal policies.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal said at a Jan. 16 press conference that Washington state will protect undocumented students. While Reykdal expressed a willingness to work with the Trump administration, as he did during his first term, he emphasized that the state’s commitment to supporting undocumented youth stands firm. Reykdal added that his focus remains on securing equitable resources for education.

“I want to be clear that Washington has an approach to the Trump administration. If it is truly about flexibility for states we’re all in. If it’s truly about getting us the equitable resources we pay in federal taxes we’re all in. If it is about stepping on the civil rights of children however we’re not in and we’re going to fight it,” said Reykdal.

Reykdal added that regardless of status, background, and identity, his office will protect all students and their right to education.

“Whether it’s undocumented youth who have a constitutional right to education in this state of Washington, we will protect you,” Reykdal said. “We will defend you, and we will get you access to education. Our schools are not immigration enforcement organizations. They’re teaching and learning institutions and that is our job, that is the expectation of the federal government that they maintain that delicate balance.”

The State of Washington has more than 16,000 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. According to an estimate by the Office of Homeland Security Statistics, Washington State was home to more than 340,000 undocumented immigrants in 2022.

The Wenatchee School District superintendent, Kory Kalahar, said there are protocols in place for Immigration and Customs Enforcement on school property.

“Schools are one of the safest places for our students, no matter what is happening. There are a lot of protocols in place for a public official to enter our buildings,” said Kalahar.

Under 2011 federal guidelines, agents are discouraged from entering protected areas. Known as “sensitive locations,” these are places where immigration enforcement activities are prohibited. This includes schools of all levels, health care facilities, places of worship, and social service establishments.

Kalahar said the situation depends on whether ICE agents are on school property or outside of it; If they are outside school property, they can be there. But, as a school district, Kalahar said administrators have the right to question ICE’s presence and let agents know that their presence has made the campus feel threatened.

“Our building administrators, our staff are often directing traffic in parking lots, making sure kids get safely to a parent or family member’s vehicle or on a bus. They are aware of what is happening outside and where kids are going. They would take appropriate action to what is going on depending on the situation,” said Wenatchee School District spokeswoman Diana Haglund.

Alfonso Lopez, the director of Hispanic and Latino relations, said he has spoken with families who told him they are afraid to come to school. He reiterated Kalahar’s statement that schools are the safest places for students.

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“From the Latino perspective, I can sense the fear of students coming to school during this transition time. We expect some families won’t send kids to school the first week of school because of that fear. I can reassure what my colleagues are saying, that schools are a safe place, and we want to address the needs for this group (undocumented students) but also for the needs of any group of students. Schools are prepared,” said Lopez.

Kalahar and the administrative team acknowledged that some families may hesitate to come to school and emphasized their commitment to supporting families’ needs.

The district has a Family Advocate program that fosters home-school partnerships by maintaining communication between families and schools. Advocates collaborate with counselors, teachers, and administrators to encourage parent and student engagement with schools and community resources. They also help coordinate parent groups, advisory committees, and educational activities to strengthen family involvement.

“On the academic side of things as well. Missing any day is hugely impactful for students,” Kalahar said. “It is ultimately a parent’s and family’s decision on what they feel is safest. We will support families however we can when their students return.”

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