In response to families' growing fears, the acting director of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), Todd Lyons, assured NBC News this week that there will be no immigration agents present in Washington, D.C., schools on the first day of the school year. However, he left open the possibility of future intervention if "exceptional circumstances" arise.
What kind of situations could change this position?
Lyons noted that in situations such as unaccompanied children, child welfare cases, or violent or urgent situations, ICE may need to visit schools to ensure protection or family reunification. In the director's own words:
“Day one, you're not going to see us… If it's an demanding circumstance… we'll respond.”
Communities on alert for ICE
Uncertainty continues: advocates, parents, and students are concerned about possible further ICE incursions. Some schools have begun to strengthen security measures, encouraging precautions such as walking in groups, avoiding distractions, and using safer community routes.
Furthermore, fear has spread beyond schools. Families and caregivers are afraid to move freely around the city. In one reported case, a bilingual daycare center partially suspended activities due to the presence of federal agents nearby, which increased the climate of fear in educational and childcare settings.
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