Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Northshore School District is committed to providing safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environments for all students. We know families may have questions about immigration enforcement and how our schools respond. This FAQ explains our district’s approach and the steps we take to support students.
 

Can ICE come onto a Northshore school campus?

Yes. Federal guidance that previously limited immigration enforcement actions at places like schools changed in January 2025. As a result, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents may access school or district property, though any immigration requests must be reviewed and approved by the Superintendent and our legal counsel. 

Northshore School District has clear procedures in place for how any immigration-related inquiry is handled. These procedures are outlined in Board Policy 4300 (English/Spanish), which prioritizes student safety, privacy, and family communication.

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What happens if ICE is near a school or district property?

As with any community incident observed near a school or district property, the school will follow established safety procedures. These include notifying the school administrator, the district’s safety and security team, and may include temporarily limiting access to the school building to ensure students remain safely supervised.

If needed, the school may enter Secure Mode, at the direction of our Safety and Security team. This means:

• Students are brought indoors
• Exterior doors are locked
• Learning continues 

Families would be notified if additional steps are required.

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What happens if ICE comes onto a school campus?

Northshore school staff are not permitted to assist with immigration enforcement or provide access to students or their records. 

If ICE arrives at a Northshore school:

• They are directed to the District Administrative Center 
• Only the Superintendent and legal counsel are authorized to review credentials or legal documents (i.e., a judicial warrant)
• Schools do not release students or information directly to ICE

This process ensures all actions are lawful, consistent, and focused on student safety.

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What happens at the District Administrative Center?

If ICE comes to the District Administrative Center:

• The Superintendent or designee, with legal counsel, reviews any court order or warrant
• Only a warrant or court order signed by a judge is valid
• Administrative warrants signed by immigration agents alone are not valid for district purposes
• Access is limited strictly to what is legally required and stated in the signed warrant

If immigration officials request contact with a student:

• The District will notify the parent or guardian
• The student is informed of their right to remain silent and to speak with an attorney
• District staff are present during any interaction, as required by law

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What about school buses and bus stops?

Student safety during transportation is a top priority.

• Bus drivers will not allow ICE agents onto a bus
• Students will not be released to immigration officials
• If ICE is present at or near a bus stop, our safety and security team will be deployed to meet the agents, the bus may return to the school so students can be safely reunited with families
• ICE agents will be directed to the Northshore Administrative Center and the process outlined above will be followed. 

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If a parent or guardian is detained, how will the district support students?

If the District becomes aware that a parent or guardian has been detained:

• School administrators coordinate supports for the student(s)
• Families will be connected to community resources (Northwest Immigrant Rights Project and WAISN) to support them through the process
• Students may be eligible for temporary learning options, including Northshore Online Academy (grades 3–12), on a case-by-case basis

Families are encouraged to create a family safety plan, including identifying trusted caregivers and ensuring emergency contact information is up to date.

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Can parents and community members help support families?

Yes. Families and community members may choose to support one another in many ways, such as:

• Walking groups to and from school
• Helping with groceries or childcare
• Coordinating community-led support efforts

District staff cannot organize or require these efforts, but families are free to do so independently. There are a number of community organizations supporting state and local efforts including the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network. 

The District does not ask about or record a family’s immigration status. And, the District will not share immigration status information with other families. 

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How does the district prevent fear, rumors, or misinformation?

False or unverified information can cause fear and harm. The District encourages families to:

• Rely on trusted sources
• Avoid sharing rumors
• Ask questions directly if unsure

WAISN provides guidance on rumor control, available in:

• English
• Spanish

These tools help communities stay informed without creating panic.

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How does the district address harassment or harmful comments related to immigration?

Northshore schools do not tolerate harassment, discrimination, or intimidation of any kind. Schools respond to inappropriate comments or behavior by reinforcing:

• School values
• Student expectations
• Washington State protections, including protections related to immigration and citizenship status

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Who can families contact with questions?

If you have questions please contact your child’s school. Additional family resources will be shared as needed.