Salt Lake City, UT — In the wake of President Donald Trump’s recent announcement allowing federal immigration authorities to arrest individuals in sensitive locations, including schools and churches, Utah school districts are taking proactive steps to reassure immigrant families concerned about the potential for mass deportations.
The new policy has sparked fear among many in the immigrant community, leading school districts across the nation, including several in Utah, to clarify their stance on immigration-related issues. Local districts such as Salt Lake City, Granite, and Ogden have emphasized that all students, regardless of immigration status, will continue to have access to education in their schools.
The Salt Lake City School District responded swiftly to the announcement by sending an email to parents, assuring them that the district does not collect any information regarding students’ immigration status. The email also emphasized that the district would not be initiating contact with federal immigration authorities. It encouraged families to update their contact information to ensure they could be reached in case of an emergency.
“We know this is a concern for many in our community,” the email stated. “Please know that your child – and every child, regardless of immigration status – is welcome in our schools.”
Similarly, Granite School District provided an updated FAQ document to ABC4 News, addressing common questions about immigration policy and how it impacts education. The district reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring all students, regardless of background, feel safe, valued, and empowered to succeed. Like Salt Lake City, Granite also urged parents to update emergency contact details to keep communication lines open in case of unforeseen events.
“Granite School District remains steadfast in our mission to ensure every student feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances,” the district’s statement read.
The Ogden School District has been ahead of the curve, having passed a resolution in 2017 requesting that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) notify school authorities at least one week in advance of any planned enforcement activities on school grounds. The district reaffirmed this resolution following Trump’s announcement, explaining that the presence of ICE agents in schools could cause significant anxiety and disrupt students’ ability to learn.
“To my knowledge, law enforcement has never attempted to enter one of our schools for immigration-related activities,” an Ogden School District representative stated. “However, we believe that advance notice is crucial in order to provide the necessary support for students who may be directly affected.”
This commitment to student well-being is echoed across the state. Local school leaders have made it clear that the federal government’s immigration policies will not alter the commitment to providing all children with a free, quality education.
These actions come at a time when immigrant families are facing increased anxiety about their status and the potential for increased deportation efforts under the current administration. The assurance from school districts that they will continue to serve all students regardless of immigration status offers a sense of relief to many families in the community.
As this issue continues to unfold, the clarity provided by Utah school districts will likely play a significant role in easing the fears of immigrant families across the state.