### Schools Brace for Disruption Amid Trump’s Deportation Pledges

In anticipation of potential immigration policies from President-elect Donald Trump, educators across the United States are preparing for significant disruption, echoing the chaos experienced during his previous administration. Gustavo Balderas, now the superintendent in Beaverton, Oregon, recalls the terror that gripped his former district when baseless rumors of immigration raids spread, causing students to hide and miss school.

Similar fears have resurfaced, causing concern among educators and legal experts. Hiroshi Motomura, a professor at UCLA School of Law, emphasized that constant threats of mass deportation hinder people's ability to function and negatively impact children's education. Indeed, such fears have already begun to affect students. Almudena Abeyta, superintendent of Chelsea Public Schools, noted that immigrant children are now attending classes in fear, frequently questioning whether they or their families will be deported.

To alleviate these fears, Abeyta took measures to reassure parents by sending a letter home affirming the safety and welcome of all students regardless of the political climate. Since 2011, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has adhered to a policy of avoiding enforcement actions at "sensitive locations," which include schools, in order to maintain access to essential services. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas reiterated this stance in a 2021 policy update.

Despite these assurances, the potential impact of renewed immigration enforcement is prompting action. Balderas informed the Beaverton school committee that the district would prepare for a more aggressive Trump administration by training staff not to permit immigration agents inside schools.

Around the country, many school officials are hesitant to discuss their contingency plans publicly, fearing that it might draw undue attention to their immigrant students. Some schools are proactively seeking legal assistance for immigrant parents, helping them plan for their children's care in case of deportation.

The delicate nature of this issue is further complicated by political divisions. Viridiana Carrizales, CEO of ImmSchools, reported a surge in requests for support from schools, particularly in conservative areas where school boards may not favor supporting immigrant students openly.

Responses from various school districts reflect a cautious approach. For instance, Scott Pribble, a spokesperson for Denver Public Schools, initially declined to comment, later stating that the district would continue to support and protect all students while monitoring the situation closely. Denver's school board had previously passed a resolution in 2017, asserting that federal agents would need a valid search warrant to access students, reaffirming their commitment to protecting students' rights to education regardless of immigration status.

The Associated Press' education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations, ensuring comprehensive reporting on this complex and evolving issue.