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The return to school in South Florida this year will be characterized by the anxiety of many immigrant families, who fear that the intensification of immigration measures will impact the safety and stability of their children in schools.
According to a report by El Nuevo Herald, in Miami-Dade County, where over 82,000 students are English learners and many come from families with mixed immigration status, both parents and teachers acknowledge that the concern is higher than ever.
Some parents, like Roselia, an undocumented mother of four, acknowledge that they avoid participating in school activities out of fear of being detained.
“We go from home to work and from work to home,” she pointed out, explaining that she fears one day her children will come back from school and not find her.
Fear is fueled by recent cases, such as that of Catalina, a Colombian mother detained along with her husband and separated from her children, who are in kindergarten and third grade, and were deported to Colombia.
“ They were doing very well... happy... studying,” Catalina said by phone to the Herald from the detention center.
Immigrant attorneys and advocates warn that programs like 287(g), which authorize local forces to act as immigration agents, increase the likelihood of arrests, even during school commutes.
Although the districts of Miami-Dade and Broward claim not to have records of ICE agents entering schools, the law permits their entry with a court order or consent.
Educators like César García, a high school teacher at iPrep Academy in downtown Miami, say they are already discussing protocols to protect students in the event that officers show up at an educational center.
Organizations such as the Hope Community Center and the Florida Immigrant Coalition recommend that families prepare guardianship documents and update emergency contacts to prevent the separation of parents and children.
"It is a widespread phenomenon, they are experiencing significant emotional distress, said Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet, executive director of the Hope Community Center."
Community and political leaders, such as Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, warn that fear should not prevent children from attending classes.
"Students should feel safe, protected, and engaged in learning," he emphasized. However, the lack of clear guidance regarding the actions of schools during immigration operations keeps many communities in uncertainty.
How to protect yourself?
Recently, immigration attorney Richard Hujber, with nearly three decades of experience, warned that an increasing number of clients are seeking advice to protect their children and assets.
The first step, she assures, is to establish legal guardianship through a family court, a process that can take months and is advisable to start before any arrest.
Another key recommendation is to grant a power of attorney that allows a spouse or trusted individual to manage bank accounts, properties, or businesses in the event of detention.
It also underscores the importance of all children having a valid passport, whether they are citizens or not, in order to be able to join their parents abroad or visit them.
It also urges to know and exercise rights against ICE, such as that agents cannot enter a private residence without a court order signed by a judge.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fear of ICE Raids in Florida Schools
Why is there fear among immigrant families in Florida regarding ICE operations?
Fear among immigrant families in Florida arises due to the intensification of immigration measures and the increase in operations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This fear stems from the possibility of being detained and deported, leading many parents to avoid participating in school activities for fear of being separated from their children. Recent cases of parents being detained while their children are at school have heightened anxiety in these communities.
How can immigrant families protect themselves against the possibility of detentions by ICE?
To protect themselves, immigrant families can take measures such as establishing legal guardianship through a family court, granting power of attorney to a trusted person to manage assets, and ensuring that all children have valid passports. It is also important to know and exercise rights against ICE, such as the prohibition of entering a private residence without a warrant.
What is the impact of ICE operations on school attendance in Florida?
ICE operations have created a climate of fear that has impacted school attendance in Florida. A decrease of up to 5% in attendance among Hispanic students has been reported in some counties, as many parents prefer to keep their children at home to avoid the possibility of detentions during the school commute.
What recommendations have community organizations given to immigrant families in Florida?
Organizations such as the Hope Community Center and the Florida Immigrant Coalition advise immigrant families to prepare guardianship documents and update emergency contacts to prevent the separation of parents and children. They also emphasize the importance of knowing legal rights in the face of ICE operations and staying informed about the actions they can take to protect themselves.
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