Are Your Schools Prepared for ICE Raids? (Ep. 46)

Courageous Conversations About Our Schools

In this timely conversation, attorney Leo Tucker shares his expertise on preparing schools and communities for immigration enforcement actions that could separate children from their families. As executive director of Aid (Aiding Survivors of Trafficking and Child Abuse), Tucker has developed a comprehensive, free guide called "Preparing for ICE Raids" that helps schools create rapid response plans to protect vulnerable students.

Key highlights:

• Legal distinctions between "undocumented" vs. "illegal" immigrants and why terminology matters
• Real-world examples of Fourth Amendment violations during enforcement actions
• Practical strategies for schools to respond when students' parents are detained
• Constitutional protections and the landmark Plyler v. Doe Supreme Court case ensuring education access regardless of immigration status

Tucker emphasizes this isn't about politics—it's about protecting children from trauma and ensuring they have support systems when a crisis strikes. Whether from immigration enforcement, accidents, or other family emergencies, communities benefit from having response plans in place.

This conversation provides hope and practical solutions for educators and community leaders navigating these challenging times. Developing emergency response plans for youth, even in communities where the risk of trauma appears low, has the additional benefit of enabling educators, parents, and community members to collaborate on a matter of mutual concern.

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