Prince William County, VA – In Prince William County, a courageous school teacher has raised the alarm about the possible impact of immigration enforcement activity on their students and their families. As a passionate educator, they have wrung the alarm in the community about the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in school areas. According to her testimony, ICE activity near the school has resulted in students—both documented and undocumented—missing classes out of fear.
Virginia LULAC does not fault parents for prioritizing their children’s safety. No family should have to choose between education and security.
We are calling on schools and local government officials to keep communities informed and safe. While we recognize that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as a federal agency, has jurisdiction when following proper legal procedures, there are critical checks and balances that allow parents to understand their rights, anticipate potential actions, and prepare accordingly—without interfering in any federal investigations.
Unfortunately, the current approach by the Trump federal administration promotes a climate of fear. The tactics being used mirror historical strategies designed to divide communities, encourage suspicion, and force neighbors to turn against one another. Virginia LULAC stands firmly against these fear-mongering methods. Our commitment is to safeguard our communities, regardless of immigration status. What defines a person is their actions—not a legal classification. As neighbors, friends, and fellow residents of the United States, we have a duty to uphold justice and fairness for all.
Our Call to Action
We urge all elected officials and local leaders to take immediate steps to protect students and families:
Ensure transparency: Notify the community when ICE is in the area.
If there is confirmed ICE activity near schools or residential areas, local governments should use county websites and official communication channels to inform the public. Providing factual, timely updates is not interference—it is a basic act of public service.
Reinstate Virtual Learning as an alternative option.
Virtual learning proved to be a successful model during the COVID-19 pandemic. While some jurisdictions moved away from this option post-pandemic due to budget concerns and engagement challenges, we know that it works. Families facing immigration-related fears should have the option to keep their children engaged in learning without putting them at risk.
Maintain schools and government buildings as safe spaces.
No person should fear entering a government facility. Public institutions should serve as safe havens, particularly for children in schools. We demand that schools and government agencies ensure ICE does not enter these spaces without proper authorization and legal procedures. Collateral harm to students and families must not be tolerated.
Virginia LULAC is committed to working with community members, educators, and elected officials to make sure our neighborhoods remain places of safety and trust. Our mission is to advance the economic well-being, educational attainment, political representation, housing security, healthcare access, and civil rights of the Latino community in Virginia. We will continue to fight for policies that protect and uplift our community.
--------------------------------------------------------------
About Virginia LULAC:
Virginia LULAC is the Virginia Chapter of The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization in the United States. Virginia LULAC is committed to advancing the rights and opportunities of Latinos in the Commonwealth through advocacy, education, and community engagement.
For media inquiries, please contact: Virginia LULAC – virginialulacofficial@gmail.com
Comments