Are schools required to report immigration status to government agencies?

No. PGCPS does not track the immigration status of students or their families. We protect all of our students’ constitutional and legal rights to keep their information private.  

Are federal agencies allowed to conduct enforcement activities at school?

On January 20, 2025, Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Benjamin Huffman issued two directives affecting  long-standing federal policy that schools are “sensitive areas.” This means that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies may now conduct arrests, interviews, searches, surveillance, or other immigration enforcement activities at or near schools, although DHS “trusts them to use common sense.” PGCPS is assessing the impact of this proposed policy change.

If I am a parent or guardian and I am worried about being detained while my child is at school, what should I do?

In the event that a parent or guardian is detained during school hours, the school staff will keep students safe until an authorized adult can pick up the child. We recommend taking this opportunity to update your child’s emergency contact information at the school or in ParentVUE. All parents, regardless of their immigration status, should list emergency contacts who can pick up their children in case of an emergency.

What should I do if I want to understand my immigration rights?

Only immigration attorneys can provide you with accurate advice about immigration status and how you can pursue legal rights that you may have. Resources for legal assistance are listed here: 

• Know Your Rights A Guide to Your Rights When Interacting with Law Enforcement-English.pdf
• If ICE visits home.pdf
• ICE in Public.pdf
• ICE at Work.pdf

• National Immigration Law Center
• Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland
• American Immigration Lawyers Association
• Kids in Need of Defense (KIND)
• CASA de Maryland
• CARECEN Latino Resource and Justice Center (new Bladensburg satellite office)

1. Support for Immigrant Families Sessions
2. Update Emergency Contacts
3. Create a Family Preparedness Plan (Immigrant Legal Resource Center)
4. Save Important Numbers (child's school, neighbors, etc.)
5. CASA Know Your Rights
6. ACLU Know Your Rights
7. Telemundo
8. How to Prepare for an Immigration Emergency - DC Children's Law Center

Language access is a parental right, and PGCPS has resources in place to ensure families have equitable access to information and services within the school system, regardless of their primary language.

PGCPS Office of Interpreting and Translation

• La Clinica del Pueblo - provides medical, mental health and substance use treatment to individuals of all ages. They strive to build a healthy Latino community through culturally appropriate health services, focusing on those most in need. They have offices in Hyattsville and Langley Park. (240-714-5247, 301-264-8200)
• Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) - offers programs throughout the District of Columbia and Prince George's County related to academic support, advocacy, job readiness and safe housing. They also have a health and wellness program, which allows for consumers to receive mental health and substance use counseling at no cost. LAYC's Prince George's County office is located in Riverdale. (301-779-2851)
• National Education Association - Guidance on Immigration Issues offers information and resources that may be helpful for all employees of PGCPS.
• Intercultural Development Research Association - How Schools Should Respond to Help Children Impacted by ICE Raids
• Immigrant Legal Resource Center - Know Your Rights Toolkit and Immigration Preparedness Toolkit
• The Immigrant and Refugee Outreach Center (IROC)
• Hazel Health Immigration and Insurance Information
• PGCPS Student Services - Mental Health | Oficina de Salud Mental