Protecting CPS Students, Staff and Families
The U.S. Supreme Court established in the 1982 case Plyer v. Doe that children cannot be denied a free public education based on their immigration status or their family’s immigration status. This protects the right to education for all students.
On January 21, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that it would end a longstanding federal policy that placed restrictions on the conduct of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as it relates to schools. Under the longstanding policy, schools were considered “sensitive locations,” where ICE agents were restricted from carrying out enforcement actions, with some exceptions. While the Department of Homeland Security has not yet released text of the new policy, the announcement states that ICE agents should use "common sense" when carrying out enforcement actions.
Regardless of this policy change, CPS will continue to actively protect students, staff, and their families. In accordance with the Illinois Trust Act and Chicago's Welcoming City Ordinance, CPS:
- DOES NOT ask for our families' immigration status
- WILL NOT coordinate with federal immigration enforcement agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- DOES NOT share student records with ICE or any other federal representatives, except in the rare case where there is a court order or consent from the parent/guardian
- WILL NOT allow ICE agents or any other federal representatives access to CPS facilities unless they produce a criminal judicial warrant signed by a federal judge
CPS has provided detailed guidance to school leaders and the appropriate school-based staff regarding interactions with ICE, and is actively providing training to support this guidance.
While CPS is doing everything we can to ensure school property remains a safe place for all students, we also recognize that families are feeling anxiety about immigration enforcement actions when outside of the home or school. We encourage families to explore the resources on this page, attend an upcoming Know Your Rights training, and explore immigration services in your area if necessary.
Resources for Families
Trainings and Workshops
| Date | Event Description |
|---|---|
| Tuesday, July 15, 10 a.m. |
Enlace will be hosting a virtual Know Your Rights workshop through the CPS Network 7 Pilsen/Little Village Parent University. This session will be in Spanish. |
| Friday, July 25, 12 p.m. |
The Office of Family and Community Engagement (FACE), in collaboration with the National Immigrant Justice Center, will be hosting a virtual Know Your Rights workshop. This session will be in Spanish. |
| Tuesday, July 29, 10 a.m. |
Enlace will be hosting a virtual Know Your Rights workshop through the CPS Network 7 Pilsen/Little Village Parent University. This session will be in Spanish. |
| Tuesday, Aug. 12, 10 a.m. |
Enlace will be hosting a virtual Know Your Rights workshop through the CPS Network 7 Pilsen/Little Village Parent University. This session will be in Spanish. |
| Tuesday, Aug. 26, 10 a.m. |
Enlace will be hosting a virtual Know Your Rights workshop through the CPS Network 7 Pilsen/Little Village Parent University. This session will be in Spanish. |