Immigration Enforcement: CT Officials Offer Guidance On What to Expect

CONNECTICUT — With the Trump administration’s promised focus on immigration enforcement, multiple state and local leaders have provided guidance on how to respond if federal immigration agents show up - whether it is at a school or a private residence.

On Jan. 23, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced a directive giving more justice department officials authority to “investigate and apprehend illegal aliens.”

On Tuesday, Gov. Ned Lamont and Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker provided a two-page document from the state Department of Education to the state’s K-12 public school officials. State officials say they prepared the document after getting questions about the impact of federal policy changes on student privacy, safeguarding students in school, and school operations.

The document aims to provide guidance on what school districts should do if immigration officials request information or come onto school grounds.

“Our schools are primarily places for learning and growth. It is important for our students and families to feel welcome and protected by their schools so educators can focus on teaching and students can focus on learning,” Lamont said.

Russell-Tucker said the guidance is designed to help school districts develop clear policies and procedures that align with state and federal law.

The state is recommending districts designate a school official as the point of contact for any requests or visits from immigration agents, for example. The document suggests asking agents if they have a warrant and to produce it. It then recommends districts consult with their legal counsel on how to proceed.

While the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, or ICE, is routinely at work in Connecticut, recent sightings of agents have prompted some communities to provide advice to residents.

On Sunday, East Hartford posted on its Facebook page that ICE agents had been seen entering a local home.

“We understand there has been a lot of concern, questions, and alerts circulating in our community recently,” the post states. “It’s more important than ever to stay informed.”

The message notifies residents that if ICE agents approach them, they have a right to remain silent and can refuse to sign anything without speaking to a lawyer.

“ICE cannot enter your home without a valid warrant signed by a judge,” the town notice says. “Always ask to see it. Everyone, regardless of their status, has rights under the Constitution. Stay safe. Stay informed.”

See related: ICE Issues Notification About Agents In New London

State Rep. Craig Fishbein, a Republican who represents Wallingford and Middlefield, criticized East Hartford’s post this week.

“Using an official government account, the town of East Hartford, CT is violating the Constitution, and advising illegals how to avoid ICE,” he wrote, on his Facebook page.

See also: Federal Funding Freeze: How White House Order Could Affect CT

On Monday, the town manager’s office in Windham notified residents on its Facebook page that it is aware of the presence of ICE agents in that community.

“We want to assure residents that the ICE officers are operating within the bounds of their legal authority,” the notice says. “There is no immediate cause for concern, and we encourage all residents to continue their daily activities as usual.”

Stamford public safety officials said they received a call from ICE agents on Jan. 28 at 8 a.m. notifying them that ICE would be present in Stamford Tuesday.

“The Stamford Police Department was not involved and did not have any additional information,” the city’s Office of Public Safety, Health and Welfare said, in a statement.

ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.