Both the city and county school systems said this week that they will not cooperate with any law enforcement agency seeking illegal immigrants unless the agency has a warrant.
Rumors have spread across Bladen and Columbus counties of large scale “sweeps” of immigrants after President Donald Trump’s new, aggressive policies toward immigration. Only hardened criminals are currently being picked up by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE), but Trump has promised to begin arresting other illegal immigrants in the near future.
A state law passed last year over then-Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto prohibits so-called “Sanctuary cities” that shield illegals, and requires cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Only a handful of sheriffs in the state opposed the measures.
Social media-fueled rumors of ICE agents raiding schools surfaced last week after the Secret Service detained a man at a Chicago area school for making verified threats against the president. Video of the arrest quickly went viral and has been attributed to other cities and states.
The rumors became so rampant that Bladen County Sheriff Jim McVicker issued a statement last week that there were no active raids going on in Bladen county. He noted that if the BCSO was notified of a federal operation, deputies would assist if asked.
No ICE agents will get into city or county schools without a warrant, officials said.
“No immigration official will have access to any student, or student record without a Federal Judicial Warrant,” said Whiteville City Schools Superintendent Jonathan Williams. “At this time, none of our schools have been approached by any immigration officials. Our administrators are keenly aware of the procedures that must be followed and they will contact our office if they have any concerns.”
County schools spokesman Kelly Jones said the county has a similar policy.
“Regarding law enforcement activity on school campuses, our guidelines remain unchanged,” he said in an email. “Any law enforcement agency, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), must present a judicial warrant before detaining a student on school grounds or accessing student records protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which safeguards the privacy of student education records.
“These guidelines apply uniformly to all law enforcement agencies.”
Jones said the county schools will protect students’ rights, but also cooperates with law enforcement.
“We are dedicated to upholding students’ rights under federal and state laws while fostering a safe and supportive educational environment,” he wrote. “At the same time, we recognize the vital role of law enforcement in maintaining safety in our schools and communities. We will cooperate with law enforcement within the bounds of our policies and legal obligations.”
Student safety is also priority one for the city schools, Williams said.
“Our administrators are keenly aware of the procedures that must be followed and they will contact our office if they have any concerns. Our position is best summed up by our mission, ‘Everyone Committed to the Success of all Students.’ Our job is to educate students in the safest environment possible.”
Columbus County Sheriff Bill Rogers did not return a request for comment.
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