MS Moves to Safeguard Undocumented Students in the Wake of Trump’s Policies
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to Tackle Immigration Protections Amid Federal Changes
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) is stepping up efforts to protect undocumented students as President Donald Trump’s administration alters longstanding immigration enforcement policies. The district, which serves one of the most diverse student populations in the country, finds itself grappling with how to address the growing fears of students and their families.
Board member Liz Monterrey Duvall, the daughter of immigrants, has proposed that CMS formally address these concerns. “We owe it to our students and their families to ensure they feel safe in our schools,” Duvall stated. She confirmed that this issue will be part of the agenda at the board’s upcoming intergovernmental relations committee meeting.
This push comes as the Trump administration eliminates protections for “sensitive spaces,” such as schools and churches, previously off-limits for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. Now, schools could be targeted, escalating concerns for vulnerable families.
CMS Faces Unique Challenges Amid Shifting Federal Policies
The CMS district educates more than 24,000 students born outside the United States, a number that includes both documented and undocumented individuals. These students come from 175 countries and speak 146 different languages, underscoring the complexity of the district’s task.
Recent changes in federal policy mean ICE agents no longer need to avoid schools during enforcement actions, a significant departure from past practices. Advocates and educators are calling for proactive measures to address this climate of uncertainty.
CMS provided initial legal guidance to schools in late 2023, advising staff on how to respond to immigration enforcement. However, critics argue that these measures fall short.
Rae LeGrone, a teacher at Olympic High School and vice president of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Association of Educators, pressed the CMS board for more transparency and training. “Many of my students are frightened for themselves, their families, and their friends. We need to ensure everyone—families and staff—understands their rights and responsibilities,” LeGrone said during a recent board meeting.
Legal Protections for Undocumented Students
Despite federal changes, the landmark 1982 Supreme Court decision Plyler v. Doe ensures all children in the U.S. have access to public education, regardless of immigration status.
Attorney Shray Shetty from the North Carolina Justice Center emphasized that schools remain protected spaces in many ways. “ICE cannot access student records without parental consent or a court order. They also need explicit permission to enter school grounds, except in extreme circumstances,” Shetty explained.
These protections are crucial, but misinformation and fear among families often lead to unnecessary panic. Advocates encourage families to familiarize themselves with these legal rights and to seek resources for further support.
CMS Urged to Do More
Educators and community leaders are calling for stronger district-wide initiatives to reassure immigrant families. This includes enhanced training for staff—particularly front office personnel and bus drivers—and a public awareness campaign to ensure families know their rights.
LeGrone highlighted the importance of clear, actionable steps. “Families must see us as allies, proactively supporting their students. Fear thrives in uncertainty, and we need to replace it with empowerment.”
A Broader Context of Change
President Trump’s immigration orders extend beyond schools, including a controversial move to end birthright citizenship. North Carolina is one of 22 states suing to block the measure. While these legal battles play out, local districts like CMS are left navigating the immediate fallout for their communities.
Duvall acknowledged the uphill battle. “This is uncharted territory, but we have to be steadfast in protecting our students. They are here to learn, and we cannot allow fear to disrupt that.”
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Jack Beckett
Senior Writer, Charlotte Mercury
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