​​SAN JOSE, CA – The Santa Clara County community is deeply aware of the immigration enforcement actions that have taken place throughout the country, most recently in Minnesota: children being detained, families torn apart, and lives lost.  

Enforcement activities have created uncertainty for many families. These moments shift the sense of safety for many families, negatively impacting children. They carry worry, stress, and anxiety for their families when learning should be their focus. Everything our community is feeling is valid and understandable. 

At the same time, our community is entering a moment of global visibility. People from across the world will be visiting our community for Super Bowl events and the game in the coming days. This global spotlight gives us the opportunity to demonstrate that our community welcomes everyone. At the same time, we also understand that the presence of immigration enforcement in the county may heighten what our community is already feeling. 

While this point in time feels uncertain, please remember schools throughout our community remain places where every student is welcomed, protected, and seen. Every child has the right to learn in a space they feel safe and supported, and this sentiment echoes throughout the community. This is rooted in the U.S. Constitution and affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Plyler v. Doe, which protects students’ right to a public education regardless of immigration status. 

In our state, additional protections for students and families are law. This includes Assembly Bill 49, Senate Bill 98, and related protections to limit immigration enforcement at or near schools to protect student privacy and due process. These laws ensure schools remain focused on learning, student information is protected, and staff have clear procedures if enforcement activity is attempted near or at a school. 

As a collective community, we see every family and every student, especially those feeling afraid right now. Please remember you are a valuable part of our community and you belong in our community. We will continue to do all that we can to support the safety, dignity, and well-being of our students. 

Resources for families can be found at https://sccoe.to/ImmigrantFamilies and https://www.ilrc.org/resources/step-step-family-preparedness-plan​​