Fact check: What are ICE's policies regarding enforcement actions at schools?

1. Summary of the results

ICE's current policies regarding enforcement actions at schools have undergone significant changes. As of January 21, 2025, schools are no longer considered "sensitive locations" after the Department of Homeland Security rescinded a 2011 policy that previously limited immigration enforcement actions in these locations ^[1]. ICE's primary focus remains on targeting individuals who pose the greatest risk to national security, public safety, or border security ^[2], but they now have legal authority to enter K-12 school grounds ^[1].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several crucial contextual elements need to be considered:

• Legal Framework: Schools must continue to educate all students regardless of immigration status, and there are specific legal protections for student privacy and rights ^[1].
• Scale of Impact: Approximately 600,000 migrant students without legal status are enrolled in U.S. public schools ^[1].
• Real-world Implementation: A concrete example occurred on April 7, 2025, when ICE attempted to enter two Los Angeles elementary schools seeking contact with five allegedly unauthorized students ^[1].
• Community Impact: Some communities are experiencing decreased school attendance due to immigration enforcement fears ^[1].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

Several instances of misinformation have been documented:

• False Reports: There have been unsubstantiated rumors about ICE actions at school graduations, specifically at Gratts Elementary in Los Angeles ^[3].
• Timing Confusion: A false claim circulated about federal agents questioning first-graders at an LA elementary school, which was actually an incident that occurred two months earlier ^[4].
• Enforcement Characterization: While ICE has conducted immigration sweeps in various locations including courthouses, libraries, and businesses, these were not widespread "raids" but rather localized enforcement actions ^[3].

Those benefiting from various narratives include:

• Immigration enforcement agencies benefit from broader enforcement authority and fewer restrictions
• Educational institutions and advocacy groups benefit from maintaining "sensitive location" protections
• Political actors on both sides can use this issue to rally their base and promote their immigration policy positions