The Trump administration’s immigration directives have sparked new concerns for migrant families in the Denver metro area. Many parents are grappling with the fear of deportation and questioning whether their children are safe at school. One such family, led by a father named Eulises, recently shared their experience and concerns about the uncertainty surrounding immigration enforcement in schools.
Migrants’ Fears for Safety
Eulises and his family fled Venezuela over a year ago to escape dire circumstances, including economic hardship and health challenges faced by his diabetic father. The family recently found some stability in Lakewood, Colorado, after being granted asylum. Despite this, Eulises remains deeply concerned about deportation risks and the safety of his children.
“I’m afraid immigration officers will come to the school,” Eulises said, explaining why he pulled his children out of classes at Denver Public Schools (DPS). When he asked school officials whether immigration officers could enter the premises, their inability to provide a definitive answer left him uneasy.
Schools’ Policies on Immigration
Denver Public Schools and other districts in the metro area have shared their policies regarding how they handle immigration officers. These include:
- Refusing Entry Without Proper Documentation: Immigration officials are not allowed to enter schools unless they present a valid warrant or court order.
- Legal Review: School districts require government officials to go through their legal departments before engaging with students or families.
- Securing Campuses: Schools will place their facilities on secure perimeter status if immigration officers attempt entry without authorization.
Districts like Adams 14, Adams 12, Westminster Public Schools, and Aurora Public Schools have adopted similar policies to protect their students and provide a safe learning environment.
Despite these measures, Eulises and other migrant families feel the current policies do not provide enough assurance or clear communication to alleviate their fears.
Impact on Families and Children
For Eulises, the fear of deportation extends beyond the classroom. “We don’t know when they might knock on our door or approach us at the grocery store,” he said. This constant worry has led him to keep his children at home, despite their desire to attend school.
Families like his hope for greater transparency and proactive communication from school districts to build trust and provide peace of mind. While districts have outlined policies, the lack of direct outreach and clear answers leaves many parents feeling unsupported.
The uncertainties surrounding immigration enforcement have left migrant families in Denver struggling to balance their children’s education with their safety concerns. While school districts have policies designed to protect students, families like Eulises’s seek stronger reassurances and better communication to feel confident about sending their children to school.
The broader issue highlights the need for community leaders, schools, and government officials to collaborate in creating an environment where all families—regardless of immigration status—feel safe and secure. Until then, many migrant parents remain in limbo, navigating fear and uncertainty in their daily lives.