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The Trump administration says ICE officers can enter schools. A CT city pushes back

Bridgeport City Hall
Molly Ingram
/
WSHU
Bridgeport City Hall

Hours after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security ended a policy that kept immigration officials out of schools, churches, and hospitals, Bridgeport Public Schools officials released guidelines that they said would keep their students safe from anticipated immigration raids.

An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer needs written permission from Interim Superintendent Dr. Royce Avery to enter school grounds or transportation routes.

Avery said his schools will remain a safe space for students — regardless of their immigration status.

"We will not tolerate any threats to the safety or dignity of our students," Avery said. "Every student in Bridgeport, regardless of their immigration status, has the right to feel secure and supported in our schools.”

It’s unclear how many undocumented students are in Bridgeport — the district said they purposely don’t collect or store that information. According to the Migration Policy Institute, there were around 7,000 undocumented kids younger than 16 in the state in 2019.

In a statement, the district released steps for staff to follow if an ICE officer comes to campus:

  • Secure the Premises: Use the intercom to communicate with the official. If necessary, lock all exterior doors to prevent unauthorized entry and ensure the safety of students and staff.
  • Meet the Officer at the Entrance: Always meet the ICE officer at the school entrance, where all visitors are screened for entry.
  • Request Officer Information: Ask for the ICE officer’s name, badge/ID number, and the reason for the visit during school hours.
  • Contact the Superintendent's Office: Immediately notify the Superintendent’s office to ensure they are informed and can take the necessary action.
  • Do Not Physically Interfere: If the ICE officer does not comply with district protocols, do not attempt to intervene physically. Instead, gather as much information as possible and notify district security supervisors and the Superintendent’s office.”

The district is expected to hold community forums about immigration in the coming weeks.

Molly is a reporter covering Connecticut. She also produces Long Story Short, a podcast exploring public policy issues across Connecticut.