Denver Public Schools Vow to Protect Immigrant Students as Trump Considers Ending 'Sensitive Locations' Policy

Denver Public Schools (DPS) has reiterated its commitment to protecting all students, regardless of immigration status, following reports that President-elect Donald Trump intends to revoke the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) "sensitive locations" policy, which has largely kept schools, hospitals, and places of worship off-limits for immigration enforcement since 2011.

Superintendent Alex Marrero and the Board of Education issued a statement affirming that DPS policies prohibit immigration enforcement activities on school property or during school-related activities:

"Please know that DPS will do everything we can to ensure safe and disruption-free learning environments by protecting our community from any unlawful federal overreach. Based upon current DPS Administrative Policy JIH (Student Interviews, Interrogations, Searches and Arrest), federal immigration law enforcement activities would not be permitted at our schools, on transportation routes, on DPS property, or during school activities"

The statement also clarified that "Denver Public Schools does not collect the immigration status of our families" and will only "cooperate with local law enforcement to the extent required by law in regards to federal demands and policing." DPS officials highlighted their ongoing efforts to create a secure environment for immigrant students, including training staff to handle potential enforcement actions.

Critics argue that removing these protections could discourage families from sending children to school out of fear. "Enforcing immigration laws in sensitive locations creates an environment of fear, discouraging parents from engaging with schools, businesses, and hospitals," explained immigration lawyer Alfredo Lozano to The Latin Times. "Schools, in particular, should be protected spaces where children feel safe. The mere presence of enforcement at schools undermines trust in institutions intended to nurture and protect."

The Trump administration's plans have raised concerns nationwide, with schools preparing for potential disruptions and some districts training front-line staff to handle immigration agents and avoid sharing sensitive information without valid warrants.

"This policy is not about protecting immigrants; it is about respecting sacred and safe places for everybody," explained immigration lawyer Eric M. Mark to The Latin Times. "One would think Trump's religious-family values base would find it offensive to cancel a policy that protects religious freedom, children and the elderly. I guess this would be a test of whether they love God more than they hate immigrants."

DPS, Colorado's largest school district, serves more than 88,000 students, 75% of whom are students of color, and over half are Latino.