Marshall’s Response to ICE Requests
During lunch on January 31, Principal Puentes held a meeting that discussed the concerns about the threat of ICE raids. More information on immigration enforcement regulations can be found online. The raids in particular extend to detaining undocumented students at all schools within the country, adhering to the orders of President Trump, where age or grade level isn’t factored in, leaving countless families in distress.
When students first walked into the auditorium, they were asked if they required a red card, provided in various languages, ranging from English to other languages widely spoken on campus like: Korean, Arabic, Spanish, Chinese, Farsi, and Tagalog, that reminded them of a step-by-step procedure of what to do if approached by an ICE agent.
If there were to be a raid at school, Mr. Puentes noted that if ICE agents were to forcibly enter, they would need a warrant for a specific individual, and agents would have to go through the district’s lawyers. He would be the first to be notified, via radio, phone call, or message. Once they arrive, Marshall would not disclose any type of information regarding the student’s immigration status; however, he also mentioned that, “the district’s computer systems have no information about your immigration status or your citizenship status, we do not put that in the computer anywhere, we never ask when your parents enroll you into the school.”
Even if ICE agents were to become frustrated with obtaining no information, and then attempt to view Marshall’s computers, the system would not have anything concerning the student’s status. Once ICE agents make it to the door, the school would examine the legitimacy of the warrant and identify whether or not the individuals they are seeking are existent. At that point, the entire school would be aware of their presence on campus, that would be accompanied by specialized operations that deal with law enforcement along with the school’s police department that would attempt to get in between Mr. Puentes and the federal agents in order to protect the students.
The severity of the situation would cause news organizations, the teacher’s union response teams and community operations to all be in attendance and in support. Principal Puentes asserted, “I’m going to get the information, and myself and my assistant principals will handle that interaction. We’re going to do everything we can to protect everybody here.”
Recognizing this is a stress-inducing time, Mr. Puentes then asked two students to read the red cards passed out at the beginning of the presentation, which listed their constitutional rights in the event they, or anyone else, were approached either inside or outside the school.
Minors if approached by ICE agents, and are shown a warrant should immediately contact a close adult if unsure of the legitimacy of the document. They do not have to say anything, sign anything or open any doors.
The red card serves as a crucial tool for individuals to assert their rights and to ensure their safety during an encounter with immigration agents. Simply presenting the card, individuals can communicate their intention to exercise their constitutional rights without having to engage in a dispute that could lead to misunderstandings and intimidation. This non verbal approach helps de-escalate what could be a potentially stressful situation, allowing individuals to maintain their dignity and protect their legal rights. Most importantly, it empowers students and their families by reinforcing that they aren’t alone and that they have the means to stand firm against unjust exercises.
The red card specifically states: An individual does not have to have an exchange of words with an agent and can choose to display or sliding the card through a window or door to remind that agent that if they have no official documentation, they have no right to ask anything of you. Although handing them the red card would make the procedure much more simpler because agents will resort to using intimidation, and pounding on your door to forcefully come out. Which is incredibly important in understanding as Principal Puentes reminded students, “Yelling is not a warrant and pounding is not a warrant.” A warrant beyond question MUST be signed by a judge.
Before the meeting ended, Principal Puentes made mention of migration patterns in factors, specifically, the “push and pull factors”: when the world population surges, we then see an increase in more individuals coming to the U.S for economic opportunities.
Finally, as he wrapped up the meeting, Mr. Puentes shared that he could relate to what many students are currently experiencing. He shared, his mother, “who was born in El Salvador, would only be able to qualify for Amnesty.” As a result, “the family had to make their way back to El Salvador as the war had begun and then came back to the U.S.”
This is the story of many people around the world, looking to escape the wars in different regions where other wars are currently taking place. He also connected how California went through a time where we had Prop 187 that was parallel to what is occurring today: the law was extreme many did not want to leave their homes even to go grocery shopping.
The timeline from then is similar to what is occurring now, with the fear of many undocumented immigrants attending school and plainly living their lives hoping to eventually become citizens. Mr. Puentes emphasized that continuing to attend school, they ultimately would be safe, and that also applies to other LAUSD schools. His shared historical context sheds light on the persistent challenges that are faced by immigrant communities, as panic surrounding immigration enforcement can lead to isolation and anxiety.
Principal Puentes underscored the importance of solidarity, by urging the students and families to lean on one another for support during these difficult times; by cultivating an inclusive environment within the school so students can feel enabled to share their experiences and steer through these obstacles collectively.
Ultimately, the commitment shown by Principal Puentes serves as a beacon of hope for many families that reinforces the idea that education can be a refuge. Where every student deserves to feel safe and valued, as California continues to advance. It is essential that both educational institutions and communities in general unite to protect and advocate for the rights of all people to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive without fear.
