Stockton school officials are seeking to reassure parents that they, along with the police, won’t enforce laws against illegal immigration — and they are organizing an event to try to help vulnerable families.
Despite its unassuming name, the Health and Wellness Resource Fair will dispense “critical resources and support to families in their immigration preparedness,” the Stockton Unified School District said in a letter addressed last week to school families and community members. The event will run 3:30-5:30 p.m. Wednesday at McKinley Elementary School, 30 West 9th St.
The promise comes after the Trump administration’s directive allowing immigration enforcement in or near schools or other areas, including hospitals and churches, that had been deemed “sensitive” spaces. The new policy reverses guidance dating back to 2011 restricting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection agencies from detaining immigrants near such locations.
Stockton schools offer a “safe and inclusive environment” that aims to safeguard students and families, the district wrote. The letter was signed by Superintendent Michelle Rodriguez, School Board President Kennetha Stevens and district Police Chief Mayra Franco, Stockton Unified’s first Latina police chief.
The letter points to a resolution that designated the district a “safe haven for all students and families” no matter their immigration status. Any request for documents or access to schools by ICE officers will be referred to the school district’s lawyers. The district, it says, follows state law, which restricts cooperation between police and federal officers when it comes to illegal immigration.
Both the city and district police departments will not take part in any immigration sweeps, the letter states.
Stockton police, in a strongly worded statement last month, said the department “takes pride” in not enforcing laws against illegal immigration. San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow said his agency also will protect families who are victims of crime without regard to their immigration status, but he draws a line when it comes to violent criminals.