A surge in immigration enforcement across the country has South Georgia parents on edge. With ICE agents reportedly present in some communities, school officials are stepping in to provide clarity, reassurance, and a plan of action.
Schools Reassure Families Amid Immigration Crackdown
Coffee County Schools Superintendent Morris Leis wants to make one thing clear: schools are safe spaces. “We want to make sure that we don’t create any anxiety or fear beyond what’s already out there,” he said.
Schools across South Georgia are taking a proactive approach to addressing concerns from parents, students, and staff. The focus? Ensuring that families understand their rights and know what to expect if federal immigration officials show up at or near school campuses.
Clear Messaging From Schools Aims To Ease Anxiety
On Monday, Grady County Schools put out an official announcement in response to ICE sightings in the area. The message, shared in both English and Spanish, reassured families that while no ICE agents had been on school grounds, parents would be immediately notified if that were to change.
Other districts, including Thomasville and Lee County, are pointing to federal laws that protect students’ rights.
- The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Equal Educational Opportunities Act prohibit discrimination based on race or national origin.
- Schools must provide equal access to public education, regardless of a student’s or their family’s immigration status.
For many families, these reminders offer some peace of mind in an otherwise uncertain situation.
Hispanic Community Feels The Impact
Coffee County Schools, home to a growing Hispanic population, is particularly focused on outreach. According to Leis, 23% of the student body is Hispanic, with a portion identified as migrant students. That means schools must be especially mindful of how immigration enforcement affects their community.
“We will take whatever steps we have to take to keep our students safe,” Leis said.
To that end, district leaders are making it clear: no student will be questioned by ICE agents without prior notification to their parents.
Keeping Families Together: A Top Priority
The fear of family separation looms large. School officials say they are committed to preventing that outcome whenever possible.
“We certainly don’t want any students separated from their parents or vice versa. That’s something that we want to work towards—to make sure we keep our families together and families whole,” Leis said.
In practice, this means:
- Schools will notify parents before allowing ICE interactions with students.
- Staff will work closely with families to ensure children are not left in vulnerable situations.
- Resources will be provided to families who need legal or community support.
Parents Encouraged To Reach Out With Concerns
School officials are urging parents with questions or concerns to contact them directly. Open communication, they say, is key to keeping families informed and ensuring students continue to feel safe in their learning environment.
For now, the message from South Georgia schools is clear: Education comes first, and they will do everything in their power to protect students from unnecessary fear and disruption.
