Ypsilanti Community Schools will not willingly work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to a statement written by Dr. Alena Zachery-Ross, the superintendent of Ypsilanti Community Schools.
The statement was released on Jan. 30, 2025, and details the school district's policy given recent powers granted to ICE through executive order by the Trump administration.
The Department of Homeland Security’s Jan. 21, 2025 policy changes where ICE can be present. "Sensitive locations," such as schools, could now see ICE agents perform enforcement actions, including making arrests.
The statement announced that Ypsilanti Community Schools will not share student records with ICE or allow ICE into Ypsilanti Community Schools’ facilities unless a valid court order is provided. All staff members are expected to follow these policies.
Resources for members of the Ypsilanti Community Schools community were also provided in the statement. These resources include information about how families can prepare for a potential encounter with ICE, people’s constitutional rights in an encounter with ICE, and guidelines for staff members detailing what to do if ICE visits a Ypsilanti Community School facility.
“The safety and well-being of our students, families, and staff remain our highest priority … we will continue to take every step necessary to maintain a secure and supportive learning environment,” Zachery-Ross said.
Ypsilanti Community Schools will continue to update their policies as necessary if more information regarding new federal and local policies relating to ICE presence in schools is released.
