Pam Allen with Eagle’s Flight Advocacy normally sees 40 to 50 immigrant families at their outreach center. Monday they didn’t see anyone.
SAN ANTONIO — Fear across the country as immigration and customs enforcement officers conduct raids that are leading to deportation.
One area of concern is schools, as only a week ago president Trump threw out laws preventing arrests from happening at churches and schools.
Here at home, immigrant rights advocates say they’re already seeing an impact with people who they serve daily.
We’re hearing responses from four school districts across San Antonio.
Pam Allen with Eagle’s Flight San Antonio said the immigrant families she serves are turning away from help out of fear.
“We didn’t see any of our families… and that was kind of eerie today,” Allen said.
40 to 50 migrant families is how many Allen normally serves at Eagle’s Flight Outreach at South San Antonio ISD on a typical Monday. This Monday none of them came.
Allen said one thing provoked this.
“There’s families that have heard rumors of ICE making raids on the schools and that’s just not happening.”
Letters were sent from South San and San Antonio ISD to district families last week. Both write they are committed to ensuring the safety of students.
South San states federal officers are required to present a judicial warrant to enter their campuses and administrators can seek legal counsel to review any documents. The letters also included resources for families.
You can read more from SAISD here.
Northside Independent School District and Northeast ISD provided these statements:
NISD: As a Texas public-school district, NISD is statutorily required to educate ALL students in a non-discriminatory manner, regardless of citizenship status. NISD prides itself on being an inclusive school district for all students, staff and the communities we serve.
Our district will continue to comply with State and Federal Laws. In addition, we will adhere to Local and Legal GRA Board policies which provide guidelines for district personnel when addressing requests from law enforcement officers or other law enforcement authorities.
When necessary, NISD will consult with counsel regarding immigration matters to include subpoenas or other law enforcement agency requests if presented.
NEISD: At this time we are currently reviewing the latest information and working with our legal counsel to provide guidance to our teachers/staff. We do not yet have any specific information as to what efforts federal agencies will take, if any, in schools. We understand the uncertainty of this announcement has caused fear and anxiety for some of our families, however the school district is obligated to and will comply with federal laws, regulations, and rules.
“There was nothing to be fearful of…nothing to be fearful of and yes they (migrants) should show up,” Allen said.
Allen doesn’t want fear to deter migrants. She said if you hear any rumors go to your district directly for answers.
If you need anything Eagles Flight can be a resource for you.