Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) released a joint letter Thursday reiterating that they are "sanctuary" spaces for all students, parents, employees and community members of the school to conduct school-related business. "
"We know that many of our students, families and staff are concerned and anxious about the impact the new presidential administration will have on CPS. All school community stakeholders can rest assured that our schools will continue to provide safe learning environments, Promote respect, love and tolerance,” reads the letter, written by CPS CEO Pedro Martinez and CTU President Stacey Davis Gates.
Martinez and Davis-Gates reached a collective bargaining agreement in 2019 declaring the school would become a sanctuary. Ahead of the incoming Trump administration, the two entities' letter specifically outlines how they will uphold their commitment to "ensure the rights and safety of all students."
On June 24, 2020, in Chicago, Illinois, the United States, Stacey Davis Gates, vice president of the Chicago Teachers Union, delivered a speech before the march, demanding that the police be withdrawn from schools. (Reuters/Max Hermann)
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President-elect Donald Trump's pick for "border czar" Tom Homan recently vowed to crack down on the influx of immigrants in Chicago. Homan wants to verify the identities of asylum seekers and arrest anyone offering asylum to illegal immigrants. The incoming border czar also warned that Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson will be sued if he obstructs ICE’s mass deportations.
When students register, school staff should make the process "as easy as possible" and "if the home does not have a permanent address, staff should follow the (STLS) Student Guidelines for Temporary Residence Situations," the letter reads. It classifies students who do not live in permanent housing.
Staff may not inquire about the immigration status of students or family members. Additionally, they cannot retain information about the immigration status of students or their family members.
Chicago residents criticized Mayor Brandon Johnson on Monday for his spending to support immigrants. (City of Chicago)
"Appropriate CPS staff will receive training on how to appropriately respond to ICE agents' requests for access to school property and take proactive steps to help students and families obtain assistance with immigration issues," the letter reads.
Under the Chicago Welcoming City Ordinance, ICE is not allowed on school property unless they serve a search warrant signed by a federal judge. Chicago’s “Welcoming City” ordinance complies with the 2017 Illinois Trust Act, which prohibits local law enforcement from participating in federal immigration enforcement.
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Chicago has grappled with a surge in immigration over the past few years. Immigration has been a hot-button issue in the Windy City, with officials debating how to work with federal authorities and what is appropriate. Provide funding to shelters provided For people seeking asylum. On the other hand, residents blasted Mayor Johnson and Chicago's new immigration mandate, which has brought more than Achieved $500 million since inception in 2022.
The Chicago City Council on Wednesday rejected a proposal that would have allowed local law enforcement to assist ICE in detaining immigrants with criminal records.
Chicago Public Schools said it has recovered some of the missing technology equipment mentioned in the OIG report. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
The CTU applauds Older for ending the measure. Ray Lopez and Ald. Silvana Taberez. CTU Finance Secretary Maria Mareno accused Lopez of trying to "endanger the city's immigrant communities, hold the city legally accountable, and collaborate with Trump on his mass deportation plan."
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"Leaders show us who they are during these difficult times for vulnerable groups," Mareno said.
Lopez and Tabarez want to amend the statute to allow police to work with ICE to crack down on immigration who was arrested Involvement in gang or drug-related activity or sex crimes involving minors. Their measures met with fierce opposition from activist groups They will first introduce the measure in 2023.