NYC educators trained to shield students from ICE threats amid immigration crackdown: Here is what they were taught – The Times of India

The United Federation of Teachers (UFT) in New York City is taking a proactive stance in helping educators protect immigrant families as the Trump administration’s policies around Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) ramp up across the country. For years, the US has prided itself on being the “land of the free,” attracting nationals from all over the world seeking opportunities. However, the White House’s recent actions show that the country’s stance on freedom and fair opportunities is shifting, as tackling immigration has become a central focus for President Trump and his allies, now back in power. In response, the UFT is conducting workshops to assist New York City educators in protecting migrant families from ICE. Expanding on the city’s current guidelines, which focus only on keeping ICE out of schools, the UFT is providing teachers with strategies to safeguard families within their homes and local communities.

Key takeaways from UFT workshops

The workshops conducted by the New York UFT via Zoom have been direct and bold in their approach, advising educators on how to help immigrant students deal with ICE threats. Student protection is a primary concern for the federation, and the actions educators have been advised to take reflect this priority.
Teachers were encouraged to distribute “red cards” designed by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC), which inform migrants of their rights, such as the right to remain silent and deny ICE entry without a warrant. UFT representative Katie Kurjakovic was quoted in local media saying, “If ICE comes to the home, you do not have to open the door. In fact, you should not open the door.” The cards can be slipped under the door for non-English speakers.
Educators were instructed to tell families not to open the door to ICE and to remain silent, invoking their Fifth Amendment rights. With increased ICE raids, teachers were also urged to ensure families understand their rights and use the red cards as protection. Some principals expressed caution and sought approval from Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos before distributing the cards due to potential legal conflicts. However, the workshops are a significant step toward ensuring immigrant rights in the US and ensuring that the education sector does not take the fall from the White House’s recent decisions.

Immigrant students apprehensive of their academic future

The fear surrounding ICE enforcement has caused significant anxiety among immigrant students regarding their academic futures. As ICE raids and deportations escalate, many students and their families are overwhelmed by the possibility of being detained, which could disrupt their educational stability. The UFT’s workshops aim to ease these fears by reassuring families that their rights are protected and that educators are prepared to defend their safety. Teachers are being encouraged to offer emotional support, ensuring that students feel secure in the school environment. Despite these efforts, the looming threat of deportation continues to weigh heavily on many immigrant students, who worry that their presence in school could make them targets. The UFT’s initiatives to educate students and families about their rights aim to provide some relief, but the persistent fear of potential disruptions still affects the academic experiences of many students.