Immigration in Our Schools

California law establishes specific requirements for how schools respond when immigration enforcement officials are present on a school campus.

Under California law, immigration enforcement officials generally may not enter beyond a school sites front lobby area without a valid judicial warrant, judicial subpoena, or court order, unless otherwise required by state or federal law. The District has established procedures for responding to requests from immigration enforcement officials and will follow applicable laws and District policy.

District and school-site staff are available to support students and families who have questions or concerns. Families may contact their school counselor, principal, or other designated school staff for assistance and information about available community resources.

All children, regardless of immigration or citizenship status, have the right to attend public school. California public schools may not deny a student enrollment or access to education based on the student's or family's immigration or citizenship status.

Parents and guardians, regardless of immigration or citizenship status, have the right to participate in their child's education and are encouraged to remain actively engaged with their school.

MVUSD Board Policy and Administrative Regulation establish procedures for responding to immigration enforcement activities:

• BP 5145.13(a) – Response to Immigration Enforcement
• AR 5145.13(a) – Response to Immigration Enforcement

California law requires school districts to establish procedures for notifying students, families, teachers, administrators, and school personnel when the school confirms the presence of immigration enforcement on a schoolsite. The timing and content of a notification will take into account the safety and well-being of students, employees, and community members.

If immigration enforcement is confirmed on a schoolsite:

• MVUSD will issue a notification when the presence of immigration enforcement has been confirmed by District or school-site administration.
• Notifications will not include personally identifiable information about students, families, or staff.
• Notifications will be provided in multiple languages, as appropriate.
• Notifications will be sent as promptly as practicable through the District's mass notification system (Parent Square), which may include phone calls, text messages, and email.
• Students should remain in class and follow the directions of school staff.
• Families should not come to the schoolsite unless requested to do so by school or District personnel.
• All visitors, including government officials, must follow school-site check-in procedures and applicable District policies.

CA Department of Justice, Know Your Rights document