Superintendent Thomas Moore addressed concerns regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Board of Education meeting on Feb. 5. According to Moore, if ICE were to come to any of the district schools, the superintendents would immediately respond.
“We’ve been working with both staff and district levels to provide guidance on immigration issues…We have policies in place that support every student’s opportunity to achieve their educational goals regardless of their immigration status or home language…I give my word to everybody in this community that I will do everything I can to keep our kids safe in our schools…I will respond personally. I will be the one there, and if I’m not there, Dr. Roszena Haskins will respond…We’ll immediately have our attorneys with us because the only way somebody could come in with that would be with a federal warrant. There’s a difference with the type of warrants and we’re trained in that type of warrant,” Moore said.
During his first week in office, President Donald Trump signed over a dozen executive orders to advance his deportation agenda. Trump has issued orders to the Department of Homeland Security to start mass deportations in cities including Chicago.
District 219 staff members have been made aware of the protocols set by district administration. Niles West teachers received an updated version of the “Staff Guide for Immigration Issues” on January 23, 2025. The document outlines what protocols to follow if they are questioned about a student’s immigration status.
“Superintendent Moore and I have met with all administrators to provide guidance on the protocols that we have established to protect the rights and to preserve the well-being of our students and staff. We have also shared these protocols, coupled with resources with all staff. Principals have reiterated student protection policies and have reinforced our protocols with building staff,” Deputy Superintendent Haskins said.
The district also takes guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).
“We look at ISBE, our Illinois State Board of Education, for guidance. They did put out Jan. 22, the non-regulatory guidance on Immigration Enforcement and actions…We have protocols in place. We don’t allow just anyone in…We wouldn’t release any information nor do we have any information about immigration status,” Assistant Principal Page Powell said.
Junior Joaquin Lannoye is concerned that President Trump’s deportation agenda will affect the people he knows and loves.
“I think it’s really sad what’s happening because I have lots of friends and family who can be affected by this and it’s pretty scary to think it’s happening where we live. I think Niles West probably should have [put out a statement] sooner,” Lannoye said.
Niles West Youth Activist Leadership (YAL) Club president Nabiah Sheikh shares a sentiment similar to Lannoye.
“We [YAL] believe that proactive communication and access to resources are essential in ensuring that all members of our community feel informed and supported. Additionally, we have reached out to school administration, urging them to help spread resources to students and families,” Sheikh said.
According to Sheikh, YAL has been discussing the potential dangers of Trump’s orders on the community. Sheikh claims that many families have reached out to Daniel Kosiba, sharing that they are concerned for their safety. Sheikh also claims that YAL has received correspondence from the administration regarding their concern following President Trump’s orders.
“They emphasized that they are currently seeking legal clarity before sharing any resources. The administration stated that district policies are in place to address situations where unauthorized individuals attempt to enter the school. They also stated that school leaders have been provided with guidance on how to handle such situations appropriately,” Sheikh said.
Any students or families seeking resources can visit the American Civil Liberties Union website to understand their rights, and The Village of Skokie also has guidance for their residents.
