MPS and other districts share their plans in case ICE were to arrive at their schools
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Concerns continue to percolate in Wisconsin about a large-scale immigration crackdown that could come to our state, as border czar Tom Homan withdraws 700 immigration agents from Minnesota.
Around our area, preparations are underway, including at Milwaukee Public Schools. "We've done everything that we can to prepare. Safety is our top priority," shared Dr. Brenda Cassellius, superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools.
The Safe Haven Resolution has been in place since 2017 as a detailed plan for staff to know exactly what to do if an immigration agent were to come to their schools. "There is a real imperative for all of us to do what we can to ensure that our neighbors, that our schools, and that our children and their families are safe," said Dr. Cassellius.
If an ICE agent were to arrive at a Milwaukee public school, according to the Safe Haven Resolution, the agent, upon being identified at a buzzer or having entered the school, would be referred to a school leader, a "hold" would be called, copies would be made of any judicial warrants or documentation provided by ICE, which are then sent to Student Services. Finally, the officer would be redirected to the Central Office, and legal counsel would be contacted.
Superintendent Cassellius says staff has practiced the plan. It's posted throughout school buildings and online in eight languages, so everyone knows what to do, shared the superintendent. "We want our families, and our kids, especially, to know that school is a safe place for them to come. Your education is important. And we don't want them getting behind. So please come to school. We're working to keep you safe, and we're also doing everything we can to work with partners across city and county," she said.
Staff carry "a heavy burden" as they maneuver the situations, some teachers being from other countries themselves, shared Supt. Cassellius. She said that MPS offers employee assistance programs for whoever needs them.
CBS 58 repeatedly reached out to eight other school districts throughout Southeast Wisconsin over two days. As of 5 p.m. Feb. 4, we have only heard back from two.
The School District of Jefferson sent this letter to families last year, saying, "ICE agents cannot enter our schools to question or take custody of students without a valid judicial warrant," adding, "Our schools are safe spaces where all students can learn without fear." At the end of the letter, Superintendent Charles Urness emphasized the importance of having up-to-date contact information for all students in case of emergencies.
Meanwhile, the School District of Waukesha says, "All law enforcement interaction is dictated by this policy," including ICE. It states, "Officers will be asked to make every effort to interview students outside of the school hours," and requires a "valid warrant."
MPS and the School District of Jefferson mentioned judicial warrants specifically, which hold a higher weight compared to administrative warrants. Judicial warrants tend to be for criminal actions and are signed by judges, while administrative warrants are only signed by agents and can be made in the field. However, a leaked ICE memo authorizes officers to enter private spaces without judicial warrants - something many immigration lawyers have called "unconstitutional."