NEW YORK – As fears grow within immigrant communities regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence in public spaces, NYC Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos released a video Sunday urging immigrant families to continue sending their children to school.
The video comes after advocacy groups criticized Mayor Eric Adams for what they say is creating confusion regarding the city’s cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Confusion Over Internal Memo on ICE Guidance
The controversy stems from an internal memo, obtained by CBS News New York, which was sent to city agencies before President Trump’s inauguration. The memo instructs city employees to:
- Ask federal immigration agents for their name and badge number
- Request a warrant or subpoena
- Contact the agency’s legal counsel
While the memo was intended to clarify how city workers should respond if ICE officers arrive, advocacy groups argue that it has instead sown confusion and fear within immigrant communities.
Advocacy Groups Respond
The New York Immigration Coalition and Make The Road Action, along with 20 lawmakers, gathered on the steps of the Tweed Courthouse on Sunday to call out the perceived mixed messaging.
Murad Awawdeh, president of the New York Immigration Coalition, accused Adams of enabling federal deportation efforts, saying:
“This mayor has been running amok of this city for too long, all for his own self-interest. He’s enabling Trump’s mass deportation machine by sowing confusion.”
NYC Schools’ Stance: Policies Have Not Changed
In her video statement, Chancellor Aviles-Ramos reassured families that non-local law enforcement, including ICE, is not allowed on school property without proper judicial authorization:
“Our policies have not changed. As always, non-local law enforcement is not permitted in any of our school buildings without a judicial warrant or unless there are exigent circumstances. We encourage all parents to have their students continue to attend school.”
However, advocacy groups argue that reassurance alone is not enough. Manuel Ordonez of Make The Road Action expressed concern in Spanish:
“It’s impossible that my community is going through this difficult time, that they can’t even go to church, they can’t take their kids to school, they can’t shop at supermarkets because of fear of being arrested and deported.”
Concerns for Vulnerable Communities
NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams stressed the need to include the experiences of Black immigrants, whose stories are often overlooked in discussions about immigration. Williams said:
“This is not about public safety. This is about creating fear, terror, criminalizing people who are simply existing.”
City Hall Responds: Further Guidance in the Works
A City Hall spokesperson acknowledged the confusion and promised that additional guidance for city workers is being finalized.
“This is a rapidly evolving situation, and, as a result, we are in the process of finalizing further guidance for city workers to follow.”
The spokesperson also emphasized that city workers should prioritize both their safety and the safety of those in their care, without directly confronting law enforcement officers if they persist.
As the situation unfolds, the city is under pressure to clarify its stance and restore trust among its immigrant residents. With many families fearing deportation, community leaders and officials must strike a balance between ensuring public safety and protecting vulnerable communities.
For now, Chancellor Aviles-Ramos urges parents to keep sending their children to school, emphasizing that schools remain safe spaces. However, advocacy groups continue to call for clearer communication and stronger protections for immigrant families.
