Recent reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the northern suburbs have generated concern in the community. District 219 has issued guidance to staff for “immigration issues” that may arise both inside and outside of the building.
In recent guidance for teachers and staff, any visitors, including federal agents, are not allowed past the visitor entrance or waiting area. According to Superintendent Roszena Haskins, D219 staff are aware of the procedure if ICE is to come to the school.
“Our educators and administrators are trained on clear procedures to follow if immigration enforcement officers ever contact the district,” Haskins said. “These steps are designed to protect the privacy and rights of our students and families… The district continues to work closely with trusted community partners to provide information and support. We continue to encourage students to stay connected with staff and to participate in extracurricular activities that help build a sense of belonging and community.”
There have been recent reports of ICE arresting people in the area surrounding Niles West. Arrests were reported at the Menards on Oakton Street and near a dental office on Waukegan Road.
The district cites that student information is protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The only reason a federal agent would receive student or family information– including immigration status– would be if they have a court order or legal requirement. In response to federal agents at the building, Steve Parnther, Tom Moore, Haskins or Ray Chung would address the situation.
“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,” Moore said at the Feb. 5 D219 board meeting. “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.”
The North Suburban Teachers Union (NSTU) released a statement urging districts and administrations to issue a clear policy regarding ICE, train staff, designate safe spaces, coordinate with community organizations and communicate transparently. The union that represents teachers and support staff in District 219 (NTFTSS) is a member council of NSTU.
“We write today to affirm that student safety, family dignity and the right to learn without fear are core union values,” the NSTU said in their statement. “We recognize that recent reports of federal immigration enforcement activity have stirred deep anxiety and uncertainty among many families, especially within immigrant communities. We stand in solidarity with all students and their families, regardless of immigration status.”
Last week, principal Parnther attended a webinar with Illinois state representatives. According to Parnther, Niles West is staying updated on resources students might need by the Illinois State Board of Education.
“Our counselors work with our students who may need additional resources or additional support,” Parnther said. “We’re trying to stay in tune and updated by the Illinois State Board of Education. They give us some guidance… so we’re just working in partnership, and then as soon as we get more information, we then provide it to necessary support, whether it’s the counselors and whatnot.”
Social studies teacher Megan Spletzer explains that teachers want to help all students feel safe at school.
“Our school consists of such a great diverse community that involves a lot of immigrant families, and I think it’s really scary for our community,” Spletzer said. “As teachers, it’s really important for us to do as much as we can to make our students feel safe in this moment, and to let them know that we’re going to stand up for them.”
Due to ICE’s presence in Chicago, the AP Spanish field trip to the Pilsen neighborhood for Day of the Dead was cancelled.
“I think it’s for the security of the students,” AP Spanish teacher Andrew Suarez said. “It’s unfortunate. We’re big advocates of exposing our students to cultural aspects and using it in the real world. It’s unfortunate that we can’t go down in person. But I understand that.”
Senior Lyla Archilla was disappointed that the trip was cancelled, but recognizes the reason why.
“I learned that it was cancelled in class last week, and Señor Suarez told us that it was because of the current political climate- that the organization felt unsafe holding a celebration where masses of Hispanic people could be taken by ICE,” Archilla said. “I’d rather protect the safety of my people during these times than be at risk celebrating.”
The Niles West Youth Activism and Leadership (YAL) Club proposed a plan of action in the event that ICE shows up at the building, in addition to other instances where there is ICE presence. This plan of action is currently being discussed among administrators.
Community members are encouraged to view Know Your Rights campaigns like those from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) in order to prepare themselves in the event that a federal agent were to interact with them in some capacity.
