Since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term, immigration enforcement efforts for the United States (U.S.) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have expanded across America. However, events such as the shootings of Renee Good, protests across the country and the detaining of legal U.S. citizens have led to public debate.
In response, Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD) focuses on continuing to follow long-standing state and federal laws protecting students’ access to education — regardless of immigration status. The district abides by Assembly Bill 419, which protects students’ educational rights, and students’ immigration status and records are protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Additionally, practices and board policies are regularly reviewed to ensure legal compliance, according to Chief Operating Officer Dinah Felix on behalf of WVUSD.
“From time to time, families express general concerns related to safety and uncertainty. When that happens, schools work to provide reassurance, resources, accurate information and support,” Felix said.
California’s AB 49 law, passed in September 2025, aims to protect school campuses from immigration enforcement presence on campus. Under this law, school officials and employees are required to request valid identification of any employees a part of an agency seeking to conduct immigration enforcement in nonpublic areas of the school. Moreover, these employees are not allowed to enter school campuses without a valid judicial warrant, judicial subpoena or court order. In the case of ICE’s presence, staff are trained according to this protocol and to refer to any outside agency and district leadership.
“If [ICE] were to come, they wouldn’t get to walk onto campus. If they stop in the front office like anyone else, we would contact the district office and follow the process for the situation,” principal Jamie Norell said. “I don’t want students to feel like at any time [ICE] can come to the front office and we [let them go on campus]—that would not be something that would ever happen here.”
In the front office, an Immigration-Enforcement Actions at California Schools guide is available with resources and steps to take in regards to immigration enforcement for students and family if they need assistance. For students struggling with fear, campus mental health support is offered and referrals to community resources are available. California also currently provides services in relation to the current fear of immigration enforcement.
“We want students to communicate any fears that they may have with adults on campus so they do not feel alone or be fearful [of] asking for help,” Norell said. “I want every student to know that this is a safe place for them, and that will continue.” Ω
