ORLANDO, Fla. — The Trump administration is rolling back on protections that prevented federal agents from entering and arresting people at so called sensitive areas.
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From now on, undocumented people could be arrested anywhere, including from schools and churches. “It’s terrifying. Absolutely,” said an immigrant seeking asylum in the U.S. For her, it’s a matter of time until the recent changes in immigration policy impact her family. “I pay my taxes. I didn’t choose to be in this situation, it happened and now I don’t know what will happen with me. It’s scary and it’s a constant fear,” she said, anonymously.
Her concern comes after a slew of executive actions recently signed by president Donald Trump. Just this week, the Trump Administration removed protections that had been in place since 2011 regarding arrests of undocumented immigrants in so called “sensitive areas.”
Those include schools, hospitals, funeral homes, and houses of worship. “Should they be concerned about what is going to happen with them?”, Channel 9 asked to former senior adviser to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency - ICE - Dan Marquith. “I think that concern existed no matter what. Truthfully,” said Marquith. He explained that federal agents have the right to enter public buildings – although he believes it will be unlikely. “Law enforcement as a whole has access to any facility that is open to the public,” he said. “Unless there is a criminality involved that ice has to go speak to a student, I would be hard pressed to see that actually happening.”
Florida has more than 1 million undocumented residents. Many of them going to local schools and colleges in the Central Florida area. Channel 9 obtained a memo sent out by the Orange County public schools, detailing what would happen if immigration enforcement officers show up on campus.
It explains that school staff would request documentation from the law enforcement agents, and that staff could be arrested if they intervene with the process, and if a student ends up arrested, the school should notify the parent right away. “It seems to me that since the election, those are the people that are most concerned,” said David Stoller, immigration attorney in Orlando. “The first thing is, be realistic. If you’re questioning ‘how is this going to affect me? How is this new administration going to deal with my situation?’ Go and talk to someone and get an idea down about what you can expect.”
It remains to be seen how this will play out and how local law enforcement agencies will be involved in this kind of operation—if at all. Channel 9 reached out to every single school district and public high school in our area. Their responses are listed below.
School Districts
Lake County Schools – requested, pending response
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Seminole County Schools – “There is no policy for this specific situation. We would comply with the law including any requirements for parental notification and any court orders provided by law enforcement officers.”
Volusia County Schools – “Our top priority every day is the physical and mental wellbeing of our students and staff. VCS is dedicated to complying with federal and state policies while also maintaining a safe learning environment,” said Sarah Lux, Spokesperson for Volusia County Schools. “We are working to develop a comprehensive guide to help our staff ensure our campuses remain a place in which students feel safe and secure.”
Marion County Schools – “Marion County Public Schools does not track undocumented students nor undocumented families. We educate every student who comes through our doors. We will continue working with law enforcement as we always have.”
Brevard County Schools – “Brevard Public Schools is aware of changes at the national level in regards to immigration. We are currently awaiting on a response from NEOLA with direction on a potential policy recommendation for future discussion.”
Osceola County Schools – requested, pending response
Sumter County Schools – requested, pending response
Orange County Schools – “In light of the promised change in immigration enforcement priorities of the incoming presidential administration, I wanted to provide you with guidance we have previously provided regarding the provision of education services to students regardless of immigration status, along with how the District handles requests for student information, interviews with students by law enforcement, and possible arrest situations. I am copying our Cabinet, Executive Leaders and Principal Leaders for awareness.”
Flagler County Schools – “We have procedures in place for anyone wishing to come and visit with/speak with a student. But it’s not for any one person or group in particular.”
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Colleges/Universities
UCF – requested, pending response
Seminole State College – “Seminole State College will cooperate with law enforcement authorities should they come to campus.”
Valencia College – requested, pending response
Eastern Florida State College – requested, pending response
Lake-Sumter State College – requested, pending response
College of Central Florida – requested, pending response
Daytona State College – requested, pending response
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