Mesa County Valley School District 51 is taking steps to reassure families and staff amid concerns about potential visits from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). With growing fear among immigrant families, district officials have introduced a structured procedure to minimize disruptions and ensure a secure learning environment.

Addressing Community Concerns

Fear has kept some students from attending school, and district leaders want to change that.

“The families don’t want to send their kids to school because they’re fearful,” said Dr. Brian Hill, Superintendent for D51. “We want to try to dispel that fear as much as we can.”

During a March 4 Board of Education (BOE) meeting, officials reviewed three key safety measures designed to handle potential ICE visits in a way that protects students while following legal guidelines.

The Three-Step Protocol

Andrew Means, Director of Safety and Security for the district, outlined a procedure designed to ensure clear communication and minimal disruption. The steps are straightforward:

• Request proper identification from ICE agents.
• Immediately contact the district’s Safety & Security Director and Legal Department.
• Notify the student’s parent or guardian.

“It’s just them understanding when an outside law enforcement agency, that they’re not used to dealing with, would come in,” Means said. “That’s why we created that three-step process.”

Collaboration with Local Authorities

Mesa County law enforcement agencies have been consulted to ensure they comply with the district’s policies.

The district’s existing ‘Policy KI: Visitors to Schools’ requires all visitors, including law enforcement, to present valid identification before entering any school. Means emphasized that working closely with local agencies fosters trust and improves communication.

“It actually helped us create a procedure that, if they did have to come to our schools, it will impact our schools minimally,” he explained. “It’s easier to communicate when you trust one another.”

Commitment to Equity and Safety

While no policy changes are being made, district leaders reaffirmed their commitment to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of immigration status.

Board of Education President Andrea Haitz made it clear: “We educate any and every student that walks into our school buildings. We don’t ask them what their immigration status is. We welcome them into our buildings, we educate them.”

Dr. Hill echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a secure and supportive atmosphere.

Looking Ahead

Means does not anticipate any ICE visits in the near future, but the district remains prepared.

“If we don’t provide a safe learning environment, then kids aren’t going to learn to their best potential,” he said.

With a clear process in place, district leaders hope to ease concerns among families and reinforce the message that schools remain a safe space for every student.