MCPS has always prided itself on its diversity and inclusiveness; yet, for some students, the threat of immigration enforcement remains a constant worry. In spite of the district’s policies protecting undocumented students, anxiety and doubt linger.
MCPS has been firm in its commitment to compliance with federal immigration authorities. The school adheres to the Maryland Trust Act, a measure that bars local government cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). MCPS neither collects nor releases information regarding students’ immigration status and has declared its schools “safe zones,” thereby barring immigration enforcement absent a warrant. The county has also offered legal assistance resources, counseling, and workshops aimed at educating families on their rights.
Many students find these policies to be of little comfort. Maria Grace Roy, a sophomore at Richard Montgomery, says that while the district might offer legal protections, the environment at the school does not always feel inclusive. “There is a lot of racist behavior from the students, which may be unwelcoming,” Roy said. Even as MCPS promotes diversity and equity, the presence of discrimination from peers remains a real issue for some students.
Along with concerns about the social climate, there is also a degree of doubt about MCPS’s ability to keep students safe in the event of a crisis. “I never rely on thinking school would help,” Roy said. Even with district-wide statements condemning ICE activity within school buildings, students still are unsure about the procedures that would follow if enforcement officers tried to detain someone while at school.
In an effort to address student and family concerns, MCPS has taken a number of steps to strengthen its policies. The district offers Know Your Rights workshops in collaboration with community legal organizations, making sure that immigrant families know their legal rights. Schools have also increased access to mental health counseling for students who are struggling with immigration-related issues.
Additionally, MCPS confirmed that the staff members in schools are prohibited from inquiring about the immigration status of a student. In cases where the students or families express concern about potential enforcement activity, school staff members are educated to refer them to community organizations that offer legal support.
Despite these efforts, several students still harbor doubts over the sufficiency of the policies in protecting them in a real crisis. A perceptible difference can be noticed between the guarantees offered by MCPS and feelings felt by the students on a daily basis. For those vulnerable to such issues, fear does not abate just because of the presence of policies; it continues, and this shapes their belief about their safety in the learning environment.
Even with MCPS’s attempts to make schools safe havens, conversations about immigration enforcement remain difficult for the majority of students. Roy believes students are prevented by fear from speaking openly about the topic. “People would avoid it, who wants to talk about fear in one of the safest public spaces they have right now? If I were in their shoes, I would not,” she said.
This hesitation to speak up can also make things more difficult on students attempting to seek assistance. Although MCPS offers many resources, they might have poor availability and visibility. A few students might not know about the legal aid resources that are offered to them, whereas others might believe that seeking help will endanger themselves or their families.
Even though teachers and counselors are willing to assist students, there isn’t a standard response to addressing immigration problems. As opposed to other issues like bullying or mental health, which are often the focus of school initiatives, immigration enforcement is a more delicate and politicized topic.
Students believe that while MCPS has gone in the right direction, there is still work to be done. Providing a safe space for affected students, bringing awareness of available resources, and ensuring that staff are trained to deal with these issues with students are all measures that could strengthen the district’s response.
The fear of immigration enforcement is an issue schools cannot resolve by themselves. For students who bear the constant threat of their family’s immigration status, while schools can provide a temporary reprieve, they cannot eliminate the root causes of those problems that lie beyond their walls.
When questioned on what other measures schools could undertake to accommodate students in such circumstances, Roy was unsure “To provide a space for the students, but like I said, I genuinely do not know.”
