Immigration Enforcement in Schools

This makes clear the legal precedence and implications of the Plyer v. Doe case, making clear that all students are assured access to a free and secure education regardless of immigration status.

Organization Source:
MALDEF 

Organization Website:
https://www.maldef.org/ 

Categories:
Interaction with law enforcement (LEA) | LEA – ICE at Schools/Educational Institutions

 Date Last Updated: January 22, 2025 

What You Need to Know:

  • There is longstanding constitutional protection against immigration enforcement at public schools.
  • In Plyler v. Doe, a case brought by MALDEF, the Supreme Court made access to a free, public education a constitutional right regardless of a student’s immigration status.
  • Immigration enforcement activity at a school would be a violation of the U.S. constitutional because it would deny the right to attend school regardless of immigration status.
  • Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) cannot engage in activities that discourage students from attending school.
  • MALDEF urges parents to send their kids to school. If they do not, the incoming administration will succeed in denying their children’s constitutional rights.

Having won Plyler, MALDEF is committed to defending it. If parents learn of any immigration enforcement activity at a school, they should contact MALDEF immediately at 213.629.2512 x141 or info@maldef.org.

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