ICE Procedures Outlined At Lower Bucks Co. Schools

Updated: 11:40 a.m. Friday

LOWER BUCKS COUNTY, PA —If ICE shows up at schools in Lower Bucks County to search for illegal immigrants, most school districts have procedures and policies to protect students and staff.

Patch requested the policies of several school districts and only received the full plans from the Centennial School District.

Three school districts' spokespeople provided comments to Patch. One district did not answer the request.

Since President Donald Trump took office on Jan. 20, one of his top agenda items was to crack down on illegal immigration and conduct raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials whether they are at homes, businesses, or schools.

While no raids have been conducted at any schools in Bucks County, school districts are ensuring that they are prepared just in case. Several Lower Bucks County school districts have diverse populations.

For example, the Centennial School District has a 30 percent minority enrollment among its six schools and 5,317 students.

These are what the school districts are saying about their ICE policies:

Centennial School District

Centennial Schools Superintendent Dana Bedden said the school district shared information with the Centennial community—which represents Warminster and Upper Southampton townships — assuring the public it has protections in place for students and staff if Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials should appear.

Bensalem School District

Bensalem Township School District is aware of the news and conversations regarding immigration. We follow our policies and procedures that are already in place to ensure any interactions with law enforcement are handled lawfully while protecting student rights and privacy. Our top priority is ensuring that every student is safe, supported, and able to learn in an environment that fosters growth and opportunity.

Bristol Township School District

"The Bristol Township School District is aware that there are new federal directives that may influence school operations. We are working diligently with our school solicitor and other stakeholders to assess the implications of executive orders and what they may mean for our district. This includes addressing the specific risks related to laws, regulations and/or executive orders that impact our district's policies and procedures. Our goal is to continue navigating this ever-evolving educational landscape to meet the needs of our students, staff and educational community. Our main priority will always be the safety and well-being of the children in our care," said Kellie Francello, the district's spokeswoman.

Neshaminy School District

"The Neshaminy School District is committed to the safety and well-being of all of our students and staff. This is our top priority. We are aware of the new federal guidelines regarding immigration enforcement and are working closely with our district solicitor to assess the impact of those activities on our district and our procedure for responding to them," said Chris Stanley, the district's director of communications. "Any such activities will be handled in consultation with district administrators and legal counsel."

Pennsbury School District

Jennifer Neill, supervisor of public relations, said the Pennsbury School District will follow its existing protocols to ensure any interactions with law enforcement are handled lawfully while safeguarding student rights and privacy.

"The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our top priority while maintaining a secure and supportive learning environment," Neill said.