Reminder: Limiting Immigration Enforcement in Schools

As many are aware, there has been a national increase in actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and local reports of ICE activity in our community. While no activity has occurred on any of our school campuses, we are sharing a reminder of the Issaquah School District’s procedures and protections related to any on-campus enforcement activity. Our goal is to ensure students, families, caregivers and staff understand the district’s protocols and how we work to keep schools safe, welcoming learning environments for all. If you are concerned or witness an unsafe situation, please call 911 or contact local law enforcement immediately.

Issaquah School District Regulation 4300, “Limiting Immigration Enforcement in Schools,” is one part of our commitment to creating a safe, welcoming environment where every child, regardless of immigration status, can thrive. We want families to have clear knowledge of their students’ rights, and the assurance that our schools and staff members prioritize the dignity and well-being of every student.

Please know that the district adheres to all requirements of federal and state law. Regulation 4300 applies to all of our schools and facilities, which include but are not limited to adjacent sidewalks, parking areas, sports facilities, playgrounds and entrances and exits from buildings. Other facts:

• Every child who lives in our district has the right to safely access a free public education.
• We do not exclude students from receiving an education or unlawfully discriminate against anyone because of their race, color, national origin, age, disability, gender identity, immigration or citizenship status, sex, creed, use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, sexual orientation, or on any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law.
• If anyone attempts to engage in immigration enforcement on or near ISD grounds, including requesting access to a student, employee or school property:
  • We will immediately alert and direct the person to the school principal or authorized designee, who shall: verify and record the person’s credentials (at least, name, agency, and badge number), record the names of all persons they intend to contact, collect the nature of the person’s business at the school, request a copy of the court order or judicial warrant, log the date and time, and forward the request to the Superintendent and/or legal counsel for review.
  • We will ask any person who wants to communicate with a student, enter school grounds or conduct an arrest first produce a valid court order or judicial warrant.
• Regulation 4300 contains additional details about what staff will do if contacted by immigration enforcement. Please review the full regulation on our website.

We share additional resources for families, immigrants and refugees on our website.