Potential Mass Deportation Information

January 21, 2025

Dear Skokie 73.5 Families, 

In accordance with federal law, our district protects the right of ALL students to a safe, free, and appropriate public education, regardless of their or their families’ immigration status.

Federal laws forbid discrimination in public schools. This includes treating students unfairly because of their race, skin color, or national origin. Schools are not allowed to use rules or practices that result in discrimination or that harm students based on their race, color, or national origin, even if it’s not intentional.

In accordance with the Illinois Trust Act, Skokie School District 73.5:

• WILL NOT and CANNOT ask for our families' immigration status.
• WILL NOT coordinate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP) without a warrant.
• DOES NOT share student records with ICE, except in the rare case where there is a court order or consent from the parent/guardian.
• WILL NOT allow ICE agents access to our facilities unless they produce a judicial warrant signed by a federal judge.  
  • While this has been historical practice, we have also received recent information that there is new guidance where ICE and CBP agents have been given permission to arrest individuals in and around sensitive areas such as churches, hospitals, and schools.
• WILL NOT admit ICE or CBP agents into our schools based upon an administrative warrant, an ICE detainer, or other document issued by an agency enforcing civil immigration law.

We have provided guidance to principals and the appropriate school-based staff regarding student rights and protections, how to handle interactions with ICE or CBP, and how to protect students who may have a parent or guardian who has been detained by ICE or CBP during the school day. 

If you would like to add or change the contacts listed in your child's emergency list, please contact the person listed below. An interpreter will be provided if needed. 

• At Meyer, Bethany Mullins: 847-673-1223
• At Middleton, Heather Rubio: 847-673-1222
• At McCracken, Brandy Stuparits: 847-673-1220

Resources and more information from independent sources outside of District 73.5: 

• Direct Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights Hotline number to support with any questions, comments, concerns, or suspected ICE sightings: 855-435-7693
• Know Your Rights handout in different languages
• Safe Spaces Fact Sheet for Families and School Staff
• Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
• Know Your Rights: National Immigration Justice Center
• Family Preparedness Plan
• National Association for Interpretation Partner Contact List
• The Illinois Coalition of Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) has created this list of dozens of local non-profit agencies providing free or low-cost assistance with immigration matters and forms.

If your child or your family would like like additional resources or support, please contact one of the District Student Support Team Members (school social workers, school psychologists):

• Elizabeth Meyer School
• John Middleton Elementary School 
• Oliver McCracken Middle School

Sincerely, 

The Skokie 73.5 District Administration Team

January 23, 2025

Dear Skokie 73.5 Families, 

We are writing to provide information about how the district will respond if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials come to our schools.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

According to state and federal student records laws, we may not disclose protected student information without proper authorization. This includes a student’s citizenship or immigration status which, alone or in combination with other information, identifies the student without proper authorization.

Recent guidance issued by the Executive Branch indicated that ICE or CBP officials are no longer prohibited from conducting law enforcement operations, including arrests, in or around schools, hospitals, or places of worship. The exact impacts of the executive order and federal deportation operations remain unclear.

HOW THE DISTRICT WILL RESPOND IF ICE OR CBP OFFICIALS COME TO ONE OF OUR BUILDINGS

• Immediately notify building and district administrators.
• Request the official present a photo ID, their documented credentials, and the reason for their visit.
  • Per Board Policy 8:30, “Any staff member may request identification from any person on school property; refusal to provide such information is a criminal act. The Building Principal or designee shall seek the immediate removal of any person who refuses to provide requested identification.”
• Ask for evidence of a signed judicial warrant when the official is asking for access to students, employees, or protected records of any kind.
  • We will reach out to our legal counsel to determine the validity of any warrant that is presented to us.
  • We will not respond to immigration warrants.
  • Without a signed judicial warrant, no official will be allowed into the school building at any time.
• The Department of Homeland Security may issue a subpoena for student records. A subpoena may be used to verify the status of students and/or families. If we receive a subpoena issued by the Department of Homeland Security, we must comply.
• HERE is more information about the difference between warrants and subpoenas

If you need support, the Illinois Coalition of Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) has compiled this list of local non-profit agencies that offer free or low-cost assistance with immigration matters and forms.

If your your family would like assistance connecting with outside agencies for support, please contact one of the District Student Support Team Members (school social workers, school psychologists):

• Elizabeth Meyer School
• John Middleton Elementary School
• Oliver McCracken Middle School

Sincerely, 

The Skokie 73.5 District Administration Team