As ICE Activities Continue, District 308 Offers Guidance: Report

OSWEGO, IL — As the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement continues to sweep the Chicago area, the Oswego Community Unit School District 308 said student safety is its top priority, according to a report from Shaw Local.

At a recent Board of Education meeting, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Jeremy Bell said the district doesn't ask families for their immigration status, nor does it allow federal representatives to access school facilities "unless they produce a criminal judicial warrant."

"We're not coordinating with federal representatives, including immigration and customs enforcement," Bell said, per the report. "We don't share student records with federal representatives, except for those cases where there are court orders or consent from parents and guardians."

He added: "We will continue to prioritize safety and the well-being of our students. We work collaboratively with our legal counsel to avoid any disruption for our students and staff and the educational space."

The Illinois State Board of Education released guidance in January regarding immigration enforcement activities, encouraging school districts to work directly with their legal counsel to create policies and guidelines to help ensure "any potential response to a warrant or subpoena" is "legally compliant and aligns with that school district's policies."

"ISBE believes schools should be a safe haven for all students where students should be able to learn without fear," state education officials noted in the guidance.

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