Here's What Will Happen If U.S. Immigration Officers Visit Howard County School Buildings

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Officials with the Howard County Public School System have shared protocol with the community as to what would happen if U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrived at one of their buildings.

On Jan. 20, the Department of Homeland Security issued a directive allowing immigration enforcement actions to happen in "sensitive areas," including in schools and at bus stops.

“This action empowers the brave men and women in CBP and ICE to enforce our immigration laws and catch criminal aliens—including murders and rapists—who have illegally come into our country. Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest. The Trump administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement and instead trusts them to use common sense," stated Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Benjamin Huffman.

HCPSS officials said that they are unaware of any such incident happened in Maryland or elsewhere in the country at this time. But they are prepared if a state or federal agency employee unexpectedly arrives at a Howard County school.

"When visitors arrive at the school, the school principal or assistant principal will greet the visitor, ask them to join them in an office or private conference area and seek to learn the reason for the visit. At that time, the school administrator will contact their representative from the HCPSS Division of Schools and General Counsel’s office to receive guidance. This practice has been in place as it is not uncommon for schools to receive unannounced visitors and receive support from Central Office leaders," the school district stated.

The Howard County Board of Education passed a resolution July 9, 2020, to “denounce any bias and racism toward African American, Asian American, Latino American, Muslim American, LGBTQ+ community, the Jewish community and any other groups who have been ignored, marginalized, discriminated against and/or oppressed and allocate resources in accordance with these values as a school system and a board.”

According to data for fiscal year 2024, the following breaks down the student population at HCPSS:

• Asian – 23.7%
• Black/African American – 24.8%
• Hispanic/Latino – 13.9%
• White – 30.3%
• Other – less than or equal to 5.0%
• Two or more races – 6.8%

"While staff will not obstruct a state or federal agent carrying out a lawful order on school grounds, we hope that our learning environments will remain free of disruptions. Staff will also continue to monitor the situation in our county, state and nation, and work with county officials and community groups to guide families in need of additional support to the appropriate available resources in our community," the school district stated in regards to the Department of Homeland Security's directive. "HCPSS is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, nurturing and supportive school climate."