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Immigrant Enforcement FAQS

Spanish

The following frequently asked questions are designed to support students and families in the San Mateo Union High School District. 

What happens if an immigration officer arrives on a SMUHSD school campus during the school day?

  • Immigration officials shall be redirected to the SMUHSD Superintendent’s Office at 650 North Delaware Street in San Mateo to seek approval for access to a school site for any purpose.
  • If the officer doesn’t leave, an administrator will be notified. The officer will NOT be provided with information about students or families or offered access to campus except to the front office.
  • The site administrator will get clarification about the purpose of the officer’s visit and contact the SMUHSD Superintendent's office.
  • Our schools will not share personal information about students or their family members for immigration-enforcement purposes without a court order or lawful subpoena. Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 34 Code of Federal Regulations Part 99.
     

What happens if an immigration officer shows up at a school event before 8 a.m. or after 4:30 p.m.?

The site administrator will be contacted. The site administrator will contact the District Office for direction. If a site administrator is not on site, staff will contact District Office administration directly. 
 

What if I hear a rumor that immigration officers are in our school's neighborhood?

If you or someone you know observes an individual in your school’s neighborhood who is believed to be an immigration officer, contact the San Mateo County Rapid Response Line at 203-666-4472 (203-NO-MIGRA) for assistance. 


If I’m worried about immigration officers taking my student from their school, can I keep my child at home?

SMUHSD staff, teachers, and administrators are trained on what to do if an official comes to the school. If there is a safety issue or possibility of disruption, staff will keep students in class until the area is cleared and safe for students.  

All children in the United States, regardless of immigration or citizenship status, have a right to a free and appropriate public education. Plyer v. Doe Education Code 200, 220, 234.1, as implemented by AB 699.

We will do everything within our power to ensure your child's rights are preserved. It is important for children to maintain their routines during challenging times, and if you are concerned about your child's well-being, please reach out to your site principal.  


What can I do to prepare my family in case of an emergency or separation?

The ILRC's Family Preparedness Toolkit  provides a lengthy explanation of detention/deportation planning. 

Here are some key things to remember: 

  • If you or anyone you know is detained by ICE in San Mateo County, call the San Mateo County Rapid Response Line at 203-666-4472 (203-NO-MIGRA) for assistance.
  • Have a plan to take care of your children if you are detained. Make a plan with an adult family member or friend with legal authorization to be in the United States who you can contact in an emergency to take care of your child. As soon as you can, ask the ICE agent to let you call that person to take care of your child. 
  • Have the number of an immigration attorney with you. There is no right to a free attorney unless you are charged with a crime. There are organizations that can help you find low-cost or free immigration attorneys.

Avoid fraud! Take steps to ensure the person you're working with is allowed to practice law.

Where can I get additional information?

SMUHSD has compiled an Immigrant Family Resource Toolkit (English | Spanish) ​​for our Immigrant community with resources curated from Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) and the San Mateo County Office of Community Affairs.