ICE can now enter schools. What this means for institutions on the Shore

MARYLAND. – A recent executive order signed by President Donald Trump now allows Immigration and Customs Enforcement to enter into schools.

In Maryland, state superintendent of schools, Dr. Carey Wright, sent out guidance to institutions across the state, emphasizing the importance of cooperating with ICE while also complying with the Family Educational rights and Privacy Act, and Maryland state regulations.

If ICE want to access student records, administration is required to contact the school’s attorney. Local immigration attorney, Eduardo Gonzalez said these safeguards protect families and the schools.

“The issue would be whether or not they’re going to abuse those rights,” said Gonzalez. “From what I’m reading and what I’m hearing, they’re being very selective with issues like that, in regard to going to schools.”

On the shore, institutions are working to get up to speed on the changes and are briefing administration on the guidance laid out by the Maryland State Department of Education.

In a statement to WMDT, Wicomico County Public Schools said the district is, “…Prepared to follow state and federal guidelines as well as local policies and procedures if an immigration enforcement matter occurred at a school.”

In Worcester County, a district spokesperson said WCPS and the Worcester County Sheriff’s office are, “…Committed to continued communication and collaboration in support of students and families.”

with these new changes, Gonzalez said attorneys are working overtime to help their minor clients get the necessary documentation.

“There’s ways to get status for them, whether it’s special immigrant juvenile Visa, whether it’s asylum, whether it’s a T Visa. There’s a lot of different ways to help those children,” said Gonzalez.