WCCB Charlotte obtains CMS plan for ICE agents in schools

CHARLOTTE, NC — Through a Freedom of Information Act request, WCCB now has the presentation delivered to CMS school administrators discussing how the school plans to handle immigration enforcement moving forward.

Hector Vaca is the Immigrant Justice Director for Action NC. He’s frustrated CMS is providing legal counsel to principals but not
immigrant parents and students.

“It’s unfair that CMS is allowing immigration officials into our schools to continue terrorizing children, but they’re not allowing nonprofits to educate parents at these same schools about their rights,” Vaca explained.

The school showed examples of immigration subpoenas and warrants. Giving admins an idea of what to look for. Laying out that ICE is allowed in public areas of the school like lobbies, waiting areas and parking lots but, are not allowed in private areas without permission. Also, offering advice to mark an area with a “private” sign and to keep doors locked if an Ice agent shows up.

“They should rethink what’s considered private and just designate areas to make them safer for the children, said Vaca.

Federal laws created at the beginning of the year prevent schools and churches from acting as sanctuaries.

Vaca believes seeing Ice agents come into the school is traumatic for all students regardless of race or immigration status. He worries for the safety of the students when they go back to school next month.

“Once the kids go back to school, ice is going to have a centralized place with walls in order to to keep these kids barreled in and, and possibly, um, apprehend them

According to the CMS presentation, the schools have no control over situations that happen off campus. This includes field trips and encounters within close proximity of the schools.