The American Association of School Administrators (AASA) recently hosted a members-only virtual webinar aimed at preparing school leaders for the possibility of interactions with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on school campuses. Materials from the session outlined a detailed framework for administrators on how to respond if federal agents appear at a school.
The webinar, titled Operational Readiness: A Practical Playbook for ICE Encounters in Schools, emphasized that public schools are considered environments focused on student protection and are generally not required to assist federal immigration enforcement without a valid judicial warrant. The guidance included step-by-step procedures intended to help superintendents and staff manage potential encounters before, during, and after any incident involving immigration officials.
According to the materials, administrators are advised to prioritize classroom safety, secure campus entrances, and request to review any warrant presented by agents. The playbook distinguishes between a judicial warrant signed by a judge and administrative warrants issued by federal agencies, noting that schools should verify legal authority before allowing access. Staff members were also instructed to immediately notify principals and district leadership if federal agents request entry.
The session’s guest speaker, Luma Mufleh, founder of the nonprofit Fugees Family, discussed preparedness strategies that include maintaining communication plans with families and ensuring staff understand appropriate legal protocols. The materials recommended schools keep organized emergency resources on hand, including response scripts, incident report forms, emergency contact lists, and informational cards outlining individual rights during law enforcement interactions.
Guidance also suggested that families create contingency plans in case a parent or guardian is detained, including identifying trusted emergency contacts who can care for students if needed.
Steve Smith, a former School Resource Officer and senior fellow at the Pacific Research Institute, said reinforcing legal rights during encounters with law enforcement can align with maintaining safety, but warned that messaging should not unnecessarily heighten anxiety among students. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that any preparedness efforts remain focused on student well-being.
AASA represents more than 10,000 education leaders nationwide and is funded primarily through membership dues, which some school districts reimburse as professional expenses. The organization reported more than $20 million in revenue in 2024, according to publicly available financial filings.
The webinar comes amid increased national attention on immigration enforcement policies. Federal officials have previously stated that ICE does not conduct routine enforcement actions at schools or target children on campuses. The Department of Homeland Security did not provide additional comment on the webinar’s content.
Education officials continue to balance legal compliance, student safety, and communication with families as districts develop protocols for potential interactions with federal authorities.
