On a Wednesday, Denver Public Schools (DPS) became the first school district in the United States to file a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging its recent policy that allows Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to operate within school premises. The lawsuit asserts that this policy is detrimental to the educational environment, causing a decline in student attendance and forcing schools to allocate crucial resources away from education.
DPS argues that the enforcement actions by ICE instill fear among immigrant families, leading many students to avoid attending school. The lawsuit highlights the district's commitment to providing education and support services to all students, emphasizing that fear of deportation has hindered their ability to fulfill their mission. The federal lawsuit specifically targets the Department of Homeland Security and its Secretary Kristi Noem, claiming that the Trump administration has failed to justify its decision to rescind established rules that protected sensitive locations, including schools.
In a shift from previous administrations, President Donald Trump recently overturned longstanding protections against immigration enforcement in sensitive areas. This decision aligns with his campaign promises to increase deportations. Legal experts, such as Elora Mukherjee from Columbia Law School, have praised Denver's initiative, stating that the district is standing up for the rights of children and families, ensuring that every child, regardless of immigration status, has the right to receive education in a safe environment.
According to DPS, the district serves over 90,000 students, with around 4,000 being identified as immigrants in the 2023-2024 school year. The demographic makeup reflects a significant Hispanic and Latinx student population, comprising more than half of the enrollment. The lawsuit notes that the city of Denver has recently seen a surge in migrants, as approximately 43,000 individuals have settled in the area since 2023, making the issue of educational access for immigrant children increasingly urgent.
Parents in Denver expect their children to receive education free from government interference regarding immigration laws while at school. The district outlines that it has had to reallocate resources and time to develop policies intended to protect students and train teachers and staff to respond appropriately to any immigration enforcement on school grounds.
Lastly, Denver Public Schools is urging the Department of Homeland Security to publish the new directive publicly, arguing that the lack of transparency in the policy change has hindered their preparation efforts. The Trump administration has yet to respond to requests for comment concerning the lawsuit.
