Redlands schools safe for all students, staff regardless of immigration status: Superintendent

REDLANDS, Calif. – Redlands Unified School District (RUSD) Superintendent Juan Cabral issued a statement Thursday addressing concerns about potential Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities in schools.

Why it matters: The message comes in response to a directive this week from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to roll back immigration enforcement protection of "sensitive" areas, including schools, healthcare facilities and places of worship.

Local response: In a letter to students, families, and staff dated Jan. 23, 2025, Cabral reassured the community of the district’s commitment to maintaining safe and welcoming schools for all students, regardless of immigration status.

“We care about your well-being and want to reassure you that our schools are safe for all students and staff, regardless of immigration status, background, or personal circumstances,” Cabral wrote. “You are a valued part of our school community, and we are committed to providing a welcoming and supportive environment where all students can learn and thrive without fear.”

Cabral emphasized that RUSD does not collect or maintain information regarding the immigration status of its students. He also pointed to the district’s policy on handling requests from ICE, referencing Board Policy 5145.13. Copies of the policy were included with the letter to provide clarity on the district’s procedures.

“We are committed to taking all necessary precautions to ensure that our schools remain safe and supportive places for learning for everyone,” Cabral added, encouraging families and staff to reach out to school principals with any questions or concerns.

Background on local policy: The Redlands Unified School Board adopted its policy on immigration enforcement on April 9, 2024, as part of a broader commitment to ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all students. The policy underscores the district’s dedication to protecting students’ rights and privacy.

Key provisions of the policy include:

• District staff are prohibited from soliciting or collecting information about the citizenship or immigration status of students or their families, except as required by law.
• District schools will not assist with immigration enforcement unless legally mandated by state or federal law.
• All students are guaranteed equal rights and protections, and discrimination, harassment, or bullying based on immigration status is strictly prohibited.
• Parents and guardians are notified of their children’s right to a free public education regardless of immigration status and their rights related to immigration enforcement.
• Any law enforcement requests for access to district records, school sites, or students for immigration enforcement purposes must be addressed through established procedures and reported to the Governing Board while maintaining confidentiality.

Zoom out: The Jan. 21 DHS directive rescinds the Biden-era guidelines that limited ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) enforcement in or near "sensitive locations" such as schools, places of worship and healthcare facilities.

"This action empowers the brave men and women in CBP and ICE to enforce our immigration laws and catch criminal aliens—including murders and rapists—who have illegally come into our country," a DHS spokesperson said in a statement Tuesday.

Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest," the statement continues. "The Trump Administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement, and instead trusts them to use common sense."