A protester holds up a handmade sign that reads, "SCHOOL IS FOR EDUCATION NOT DEPORTATION", with "NOT" in black and "DEPORTATION" in red. The bottom of the sign is decorated with multiple handprints in various shades of brown. Other protesters are visible holding signs, including one that partially reads, "ICE agents NOT belong in schools!" The background shows a cloudy sky.

Image credit: PBS NewsHour

Schools Brace for Immigration Arrests After Trump Administration Changes ICE Policy

March 11, 2025

Schools Brace for Immigration Arrests After Trump Administration Changes ICE Policy

Ask students: What is the major change in Trump's new immigration arrest policy? Why have many immigrant students been afraid to go back to school after January 20th?

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When President Trump began his second term, the Department of Homeland Security lifted restrictions on immigration arrests at schools, hospitals and places of worship. Late Friday, a federal judge denied a request by Denver Public Schools to pause the new policy. We hear from educators and a student, and John Yang speaks with Kica Matos of the National Immigration Law Center for more.

NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and answer these See, Think, Wonder questions: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?

View the transcript of the story.

Discussion Questions

  1. What is the major change in Trump's new immigration arrest policy?
  2. Why have many immigrant students been afraid to go back to school after January 20th?
  3. How has the new policy affected the lives of immigrant families?
  4. Where should ICE officers be directed if they enter a school?
  5. What are the differences between a warrant signed by a judge and an administrative warrant from ICE?

Focus Questions

What advice does Kica Matos provide for immigrant parents, school administrators and teachers? What is something you can do to help students who are worried about the new immigration arrest policy?

Media literacy: Do you think this new policy is the best way to enforce immigration control? Can you think of a better way? Explain your response.

Extension Activity

Read this article that fact-checks the Trump administration’s claims about illegal immigration dropping sharply.

Watch the video below of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu responding to Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz. with suggestions on how the federal government can help make her city safer for everyone. Do you agree with Wu's response?

Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.

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