Worry has been swirling around the country about the ongoing and future U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement crackdowns. There haven’t been any raids at schools or bus stops, though people are worried about this happening in the future.

Oregon is a sanctuary state, meaning state and local police departments and governments are not allowed to assist federal authorities with immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant. An additional sanctuary act in 2021 strengthened safety and protection measures for immigrant communities.

Schools and colleges around Central Oregon are upholding their commitment to serving students and Oregon’s state sanctuary laws regardless of immigration status, they say.

School districts react

Bend-La Pine Schools upheld its equity goals in a letter to families sent in January. The district will adhere to laws protecting the privacy of students’ educational records and employees won’t maintain records or ask about students’ immigration status, the letter said. Immigration agents won’t be allowed on school property or in contact with students, unless there is legal authorization such as a court order or parent permission given.

“We are receiving many inquiries about what the changes mean for Bend-La Pine Schools. We are working with our state and federal partners to seek clarity and answers on the changes that apply to school districts. We know transitions like these can have a real impact on your life,” said the letter.

Jefferson County School District has similarly affirmed students’ rights to an education and said it will continue to keep student records private. All legal requests for records, staff or student removal or access to district property will be directed to Superintendent Jay Mathisen.

“Specifically, to the maximum extent permitted under law, our district will continue to prohibit disclosure, without parental consent, of student educational information, including the immigration status of any (Jefferson County School District) student without appropriate local authority,” said the district’s letter to families. “Every student has the right to be safe, respected, and welcome in our schools. Our highest priority is the safety and well-being of students and our staff in our schools.”

Redmond School District Superintendent Charan Cline upheld the district’s commitment to a safe educational environment for students. The district will abide by Oregon’s sanctuary laws, he said.

“We understand that these times may bring uncertainty and fear for some families. Please know that our schools are places where children can learn, grow, and thrive, free from intimidation or fear. Every student has the right to feel safe, respected, and welcome. We believe in the potential of every student and are committed to helping them achieve success in our schools and society,” Cline wrote in a letter to the district community.

Culver School District has advised front desk staff and building administrators to obtain guidance from legal counsel regarding immigration officer inquiries, according to the district’s protocol for staff.

Higher education responds

Central Oregon Community College president Laurie Chesley recognized that things are moving quickly with the Trump administration, and that people are worried.

In a letter to colleagues, Chesley wrote, “Many of you have questions about the change in the presidential administration and its impact on higher education, particularly COCC. Your questions reinforce my belief in the value of higher education, the importance of a democratic nation, respectful and civil discourse, and what it means to support one another.”

The college will update staff and students if the Trump administration issues orders or passes legislation that has an impact on COCC’s policies, processes or services.

Chesley wrote, “As with many political campaigns, there are a lot of promises made, many of which do not come to fruition. Moreover, even if some of the statements come to be, they are often quickly challenged, with the impact not determined for months or even years.”

Chesley made it clear the college supports all students and will follow Oregon’s sanctuary laws. Immigration queries from law enforcement or immigration officials should be directed to the Vice President of Student Affairs Alicia Moore or Dean of Enrollment Management Tyler Hayes, who will then determine next steps. The college supports students’ right to privacy and undocumented students’ right to an education.

“I want to express the College’s support for all of our students and employees, regardless of immigration status,” Chesley wrote. “This commitment is evident not only in our COCC values, but in our everyday actions to create a respectful and inclusive learning and working environment for all.”

Oregon State University and its Bend branch campus will comply with Oregon’s sanctuary and educational privacy laws, and offer resources for undocumented students.

According to OSU, “Core to this mission is the university’s commitment to inclusive excellence and incorporating all voices and multiple perspectives in all we do. Consistent with its commitment to success for all students, OSU supports and values international students, students with DACA and undocumented students.”

All immigration enforcement queries are to be directed toward OSU’s Office of the General Counsel. OSU also warned the public to be wary of scammers attempting to scare individuals into giving up information or money.

The High Desert Education Service District, a regional provider of services for children and students, affirmed that students have the right to a free public education, and that it will not be collecting information on students’ immigration statuses. The superintendent will create protocol to respond to queries by immigration officials. Building administrators are advised to contact local law enforcement and district lawyers for guidance.