SLP Families,

I know that there has been uncertainty and concern about the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Minnesota. Regardless of immigration status, all children in the U.S. have the right to attend public schools, and we are committed to serving each of our students. 

Earlier today, I heard that ICE may be present outside of our school buildings. Out of an abundance of caution, we increased supervision at school sites to ensure each of our students made it home safely. At this time, we do not have evidence that ICE was present, but I’d like to remind you of the following: 

• It is against federal law for schools to collect information about immigration status for students or families, and we do not do so. 
• If a family discloses immigration status to the school, it is not documented or added to any student files. 
• We have policies in place that guide our practice including Policy 519 - Interviews of Students by Outside Agencies and Policy 903 - Visitors to School District Buildings and Sites.

What can you do?
It is important that we work together to keep your children safe. The best way for your student to be safe is for them to be in class for the full school day. Please talk to your student about their attendance. Students who stay in the school building AND in their classes have greater support from staff. It is also important that your student does not leave the building until dismissal. This helps us keep track of students during passing time.

Additionally, we recommend that you update your emergency contacts and develop a family preparedness that includes:

• How family members will stay in touch or reconnect if separated.
• Delegation of Parental Authority (DOPA) in case a caregiver needs to be established.
• Safe locations both near your home and outside your neighborhood.
• Evacuation routes of the safest ways to leave your home or area during emergencies.
• Emergency kits with essentials like water, food, medication, and important documents.
• Information for specific needs such as mobility assistance, pets, or medical equipment.

If ICE or Immigration Agents are on School Property
If ICE or other related law enforcement are on school property, staff will follow these procedures: 

• All visitors must use the main entrance to each building. No student, staff or other individual should allow someone to enter the building through any other entrance.
• If ICE or other related law enforcement agents enter the main office and inquire about a student, district leaders will be notified and the district leaders will meet with them to review their request. 
• The only legal paperwork that would compel St. Louis Park Public Schools to act is a judicial order signed by a judge. Without that, we will NOT confirm the enrollment or attendance of any specific student or students. 
• At no time will ICE or other related law enforcement agents be allowed access to the school beyond the main office area without specific court documents legally requiring us to provide this access. 

What additional resources are available? 

• Fugees Family: View sessions on how to provide support
• Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM): Provides legal aid for families in the Metro
• Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS): Provides regional support for families
• Justicia Law (Danielle Robinson Briand): Provides community-based legal support

As always, we align everything we do with our mission, vision and core values. It is all of our collective responsibility to do our part to ensure the brilliance and safety of each of our students. Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support. 

Sincerely,
Dr. Carlondrea Hines
Superintendent