In response to the changing political landscape regarding immigration, The Palo Alto Unified School District board of education reaffirmed that Board Policy 5145.13, passed in 2018, remains in effect. Among other things this policy prohibits district officials from providing assistance with immigration enforcement at district schools, except as may be required by state and federal law. It also prohibits immigration officials from getting access to student information without parental consent, a court order or judicial subpoena.

PAUSD’s Civil Rights and Legal Affairs Coordinator Robert Andrade, who handles complaints regarding student discrimination based on protected statuses, said the district has established procedures staff must abide by when immigration officials request information on school grounds.

“Immigration officials need to check-in at the front office of any school as they are not permitted on school grounds,” Andrade said. “Second, they would need to identify their purpose and provide the appropriate legal documentation authorizing their presence. If no valid legal documentation is provided, officials are not permitted. If valid legal documentation is provided, the school will comply based on direction from the Superintendent’s Office and the Legal Department. I want to note that the occurrence of this ever happening is incredibly rare.”

In addition, Andrade said it is against district policy to require proof of citizenship when enrolling a student.

“The only requirement is that the student’s family lives in Palo Alto, generally,” Andrade said. “The only way the district may know (a student’s immigration status) is if the student or family chooses to share that information directly.”

Andrade also said the district ensures staff members are properly enforcing these student protections.

“I have been conducting various training for district staff,” Andrade said. “Training for staff who in many situations would be involved in situations addressing immigration enforcement officials, such as administrators, front office staff, (Student and Family Engagement) specialists and (English Language) specialists.”

Since President Donald Trump’s inauguration in January, his administration has issued executive orders  prioritizing securing the southern border and enforcing immigration laws, leading to mass deportations. California, home to the most undocumented immigrants in the country – approximately 1.8 million in 2022, according to the Pew Research Center – is particularly affected by these orders.

Sophomore Maria Uribe Estrada, who legally immigrated from Mexico at 6, said she has mixed emotions about being a Mexican immigrant in the United States.

“On one hand, I’ve been given opportunities that aren’t as elevated and widespread like back in Mexico,” Uribe Estrada said. “On the other hand, there’s always going to be people that have prejudice or even hate.”

Because of the current political climate, Andrade said there is a greater need to serve the undocumented immigrant community.

“There exists a much greater fear for students and families who may be impacted by the current administration’s posture towards immigrants,” Andrade said. “For PAUSD, the need to serve is one of safety because it’s required by law for the district to preserve each student’s right to a free and public education.” 

With the Mexican community frequently targeted by immigration enforcement, Uribe Estrada said she feels an intensified sense of fear and frustration.

“It’s not just about policies. It’s about the way we’re talked about — like criminals or less deserving of being here,” Uribe Estrada said. “When the government paints an entire group of people as a problem, it makes everyday life harder. The worst part is that even people who have lived here for decades, built businesses and raised families, feel like they could be taken away at any moment. I can’t imagine the stress and fear they are going through.”

A female senior, who requested anonymity because of her family’s immigration status,  said she worries for her undocumented uncle. 

“I can’t imagine being in a position where I don’t have documentation,” she said. “It is really hard knowing my uncle is undocumented. He has a whole family, and he would have to leave them, his house and his job behind if he gets deported.”

Additionally, the female senior said many in the undocumented Mexican community are afraid of being in public given stricter immigration law enforcement.

“Mexicans with no documentation are avoiding going to certain stores because they are supporting Trump’s policies and also because they’re scared ICE might be around,” she said. “They are sending their kids to go do their groceries and shopping for them.”

Uribe Estrada said the district’s immigration protection policies are critical to ensuring undocumented immigrants feel safe on school grounds.

“Paly is already stressful enough,” Uribe Estrada said. “If the district openly says that immigration enforcement is not allowed on campus, it makes the school a safe space where they can focus on their education, not their survival.”

Andrade also said the district offers additional support for students who are concerned about the current atmosphere that immigrant families face..

“There is mental health and wellness support available at all PAUSD school sites, whether the services are done by a wellness counselor, mental health associate, therapist or school psychologist,” Andrade said. “All students process trauma differently so the mental health, wellness and academic support they receive is catered to their own negative experience.”

Andrade said he has not received any negative feedback on any of these policies.

“Most families have been happy to know that there is a procedure to uphold student rights and there are many avenues to access information whether it be from PAUSD, the California Department of Education or local community organizations wanting to help,” Andrade said.

But Uribe Estrada said the district could improve protections by increasing Spanish-language resources and translators to ensure accurate and efficient communication.

To further aid the immigrant population, the female senior said Know Your Rights cards are being distributed to inform immigrants of their constitutional rights when faced with immigration officials. According to Red Card Orders, these cards are printable in English and Spanish and include statements like:  “Do not open the door” and “Do not sign anything.” The cards also provide a written statement for undocumented immigrants to repeat when confronted by officials.

“I’ve also seen people on social media with megaphones at protests screaming, ‘Don’t go out unless you have papers signed’ and shouting more about what undocumented immigrants should do when ICE is around,” she said.

To immigrant students and families who may feel fearful, Uribe Estrada’s message is that they should educate themselves on their rights and seek legal support.

“Don’t let them bully you and make you feel like you are less or a criminal for wanting to have a better life for you and your family,” Uribe Estrada said.

Ultimately, Andrade said families, regardless of immigration status, should take proactive steps to ensure their children’s safety.

“One, make sure your student emergency contact information list is updated,” Andrade said. “Two, that in times of extreme emergencies you have other individuals available to pick up a student if no one is available on the emergency contact list. Three, students have access to supportive measures — just notify a staff member. And four, if families need any resources, they are always welcome to reach out.”