What Is ICE and How Does It Show Up in Schools?

What is ICE?

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is the federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws, including detaining and deporting people. In early 2025, the Trump Administration repealed protections that treated schools as “sensitive locations.” This means ICE can legally enter school grounds. 

How ICE might appear in school settings?

  • Showing up with a judicial warrant to look for a specific person

  • Waiting near school drop-offs or bus stops to detain people

  • Requesting student information through local police or public records requests

Even if ICE doesn’t enter a school building, unsafe policies and poor data practices can put students and families at serious risk.