Preparing for change: Essential resources and updates for DSST families

We've put together some helpful resources and information for you as we prepare for next week's transition to a new president. If you have any questions or would like clarification, feel free to reach out to your school leadership or the front office team. We're here to help!

DSST General Dos and Don'ts

DSST works to provide a safe and secure learning environment in our buildings, this includes supporting families impacted by shifting immigration policies when in our schools. The senior leadership team at DSST are responsible for supporting School Directors and leadership teams to handle these crucial responsibilities. Families who may not be directly impacted also play a very vital role as neighbors and stakeholders in our learning community.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) does not conduct operations in schools because they are designated as "sensitive locations." While there have been predictions that the incoming administration may revoke the “sensitive location” policy, there have been no formal announcements at this time.

UPDATE (as of 1.21.25): While President Trump's administration has revoked  "sensitive" and "protected" locations for schools, hospitals, and churches, this was anticipated and the guidance for our staff and families was developed with this in mind.

As a public charter education school system, below are some Dos and Don’ts we operate under

What has Denver Public Schools shared?

DPS will do everything it can to ensure safe and disruption-free learning environments by protecting our community from any unlawful federal overreach. Based upon current DPS Administrative Policy JIH (Student Interviews, Interrogations, Searches and Arrest), federal immigration law enforcement activities would not be permitted at our schools, on transportation routes, on DPS property (includes all DSST Denver schools), or during school activities.  

UPDATE (as of 1.17.25): DPS has shared a Family Resource Toolkit and provided how-to instructions on updating emergency contact information in Infinite Campus.

What has Aurora Public Schools shared?

No new information has been provided or released at this time. The current APS plan is to wait for the incoming administration to act before committing to any policies or practices.

UPDATE (as of 1.27.25): APS sent a message to all APS families and guardians sharing resources and information on how schools should respond to ICE.

Know the law

ICE cannot enter our buildings, unless they have a valid judicial warrant specifying individual(s). The judicial warrant MUST meet the following conditions: 

1. Signed by a JUDGE (not ICE Administration); AND
2. Have specific names and details listed.

If the warrant does not meet the above requirements then it is DSST’s responsibility to stand up for the rights of our staff, students and families.

What happens if ICE comes to school?

In the event, ICE arrives at a school (with a judicial warrant), you can expect:

1. Our schools will initiate a school-wide HOLD, which means we will clear hallways and keep students and staff in classrooms until ICE has left the premises.
   • This will ensure we are not obstructing a potential warrant and try to avoid heightened emotions of students seeing ICE in or around the building
2. If your student(s) are directly impacted, we will immediately notify you as the Parent/Guardian.
   • Please review your emergency contact information and make sure it is updated with your cell phone number
   • We will not encourage mixed-status families or undocumented relatives to come to the school or otherwise interfere
3. We will protect students’ rights. 
   • We will avoid releasing any student to ICE without a clear legal requirement to do so (per DSST and DPS policies) 
   • We will not volunteer or give out any personal information including the address or phone number for any student or family

What should you do if you learn about an ICE enforcement action near your school?

If you hear rumors about or suspect seeing ICE near or around your school, please reach out to your School Director right away so we can investigate the situation. It’s important not to post anything on social media until we have confirmed the facts, as sharing unconfirmed information can cause unnecessary fear and confusion. We want to make sure everyone stays calm and we can handle things quickly and safely. 

UPDATE (as of 2.11.25): If you hear rumors of ICE near your school here are some key questions to ask: (1) Did you personally see this happen? If not, who did? Try to get their name and contact info, if possible. (2) What time did it happen, and what did they observe (e.g., how many agents, vehicles, etc.)? (3) Did you check or report it to either the Colorado Immigration Rights Coalition (CIRC) ICE Hotline (844-864-8341) or the Colorado Rapid Response Network - Immigration? If the rumor would directly impact the school please reach out to your School Director immediately, and they can work with the senior leadership team to verify the information and help coordinate the school’s response and next steps.

What can undocumented families do?

1. Develop a family preparedness plan and identify a trusted contact for your student(s).
2. Update emergency contact information in Infinite Campus (either DPS or APS Parent Portal) with at least 3 people including someone not in your immediate family (and a US citizen, if possible).
3. Review and connect with any of the community and family resources identified HERE.
4. Print a Red Card and keep with you at all times (see below, Know your rights).

Know your rights*

UPDATE (as of 1.29.25): All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. Red Cards help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations.

• You have the right to remain silent
• You have the right to say “No” to a request to enter your home
• You have the right to demand review of the warrant before letting anyone in your home or workplace
• You have the right to speak to a lawyer 
• You have the right to make a phone call
• You have the right to refuse to sign anything before you talk to a lawyer
• You have the right to refuse to show any documentation before speaking with a lawyer

If you are looking for free or low-cost immigration legal services, this legal service directory might be helpful: https://lnkd.in/gRnpsV8N.

*The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. It should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional legal counsel. For advice regarding your specific legal situation, please consult with an attorney.