Protections In Place For Immigrant Desert Sands USD Students

PALM DESERT, CA — Amid heightened concern that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents could raid schools, the Desert Sands Unified School District confirmed to Patch that it is focused on supporting all of its students.

"Desert Sands Unified School District is aware of concerns raised by students, families, and staff regarding recent immigration and border patrol policies," said DSUSD spokesperson Tamara Wadkins. "We understand these policies may create uncertainty and anxiety for some members of our community, and we remain committed to supporting our families during this time.

"Our district’s priority is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all students, where they can focus on their education free from fear or worry. Teachers and staff are dedicated to ensuring that families feel supported and that our campuses remain secure," Wadkins continued.

"In the event of any activity involving federal agencies near school sites, we have communicated clear procedures to school administrators, teachers and staff. While DSUSD will comply with all applicable laws and directives from law enforcement, we will also take every step to maintain a safe and calm environment for students, staff, and families," Wadkins added.

"Please note that any activity occurring off school grounds falls outside of the district’s jurisdiction. If a situation arises where someone requests to speak with a student, parents or guardians will be informed promptly," Wadkins said. "Our mission remains steadfast: to provide every child, in every community, with a safe and nurturing learning environment that prepares them for a bright and productive future."

Families seeking support or resources are encouraged to contact their school’s office, Wadkins said.

There have been no reported issues at DSUSD campuses.

As for local law enforcement conducting immigration raids at TVUSD campuses, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco said in a Feb. 6 video posted to social media that it's not happening.

Immigration enforcement is the federal government's responsibility, and Bianco said any rumors that his deputies are conducting raids at local schools "are simply not true."

The sheriff promised that his personnel would not target schools, businesses, or churches and reiterated that his deputies would not perform "any type of immigration enforcement."

California’s Senate Bill 54, approved in 2017, bars local law enforcement agencies from using public money for immigration enforcement. It also prohibits police from transferring people to immigration authorities except in some instances involving certain violent felonies and/or misdemeanors.

Bianco criticized the law, and said in his video post that he would "continue to fight to reform an extremely dangerous sanctuary state law."

Two days before Bianco's message, California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued guidance to students, families, educators, and school officials on how to respond if an immigration officer comes to campus. The guidance also informs immigrant students and their families about their educational rights and legal protections.

Bonta said the guidance helps "ensure a safe and secure school environment for all."

"All children have a constitutional right to access a public education, regardless of their immigration status," the attorney general said. "Schools are meant to be a safe place for children to learn and grow. Unfortunately, the President’s recent orders have created fear and uncertainty in our immigrant communities."

Litigation is amassing over U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to deport large numbers of people who are in the country without authorization. But on Thursday, Feb. 6, the administration sued the state of Illinois, Chicago, and Cook County, Ill., accusing them of obstructing the federal government’s enforcement of immigration laws.

The counties of San Francisco and Santa Clara in California, in addition to King County, Washington, and the cities of Portland, Oregon, and New Haven, Connecticut, took preemptive action on Friday, Feb. 7: They sued the Trump administration, alleging it has threatened and unlawfully targeted sanctuary jurisdictions, according to the lawsuit filed in the Northern District of California.

The plaintiffs say their lawsuit seeks to check the administration's "abuse of power" and asks the court to declare Trump’s actions unlawful and prevent any enforcement.