Clovis Unified responds to concerns of immigration raids at schools
Jan 23, 2025
CLOVIS, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - In light of the recent federal announcements surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States, officials with the Clovis Unified School District sent out a statement answering questions about how the district is impacted.
The announcement comes after the Department of Homeland Security announced Tuesday that federal immigration officers will be allowed to arrest migrants at places that were once off-limits such as schools and churches. Clovis Unified sent a message to parents Thursday, stating their schools remain a "welcoming and secure environment for students every day."
In the case of federal immigration agents approaching the district, Clovis Unified officials say they will be referred to their Chief of Police as their contact for their schools. However, officials say the local ICE agency has confirmed their plans to continue prior practices that sought to avoid action on school campuses.
We are closely monitoring the evolving conversation about immigration enforcement and schools, and will remain in communication with our local law enforcement and our local ICE agency to learn more about what the recent Presidential Executive Order will look like in action for America's schools. In addition to the work described above, we are following legislation that is being considered in the California legislature (SB48 and AB49) that would further restrict immigration enforcement on school grounds.
Clovis Unified Superintendent Dr. Corrine Folmer.
The school district says schools in California are prohibited from collecting information about the documentation status of any students or their families, including social security numbers - they say they aim to "educate all students regardless of their nationality or immigration status," and encourage anyone with questions or in need of resources to reach out to their local school.