In the first few days of the second Trump administration, the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, instituted a new policy allowing federal agents to make arrests at schools, churches, and hospitals; the new directive reversed Biden-area regulations.
Barnes wrote that he had met with an unnamed resident agent in charge of this region’s U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). This person told Barnes, "schools and school events would not be affected by enforcement actions.”
Barnes said that ICE would coordinate with the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office regarding any public safety concerns, and if ICE contacts the Sheriff’s Office about an issue, the district, Barnes said, would be notified.
Unlike other some other school districts — including Charlotte-Mecklenberg and Columbus — Barnes did not explicitly mention that ICE agents would be required to have a judicial warrant if there was a “public safety concern.”
If an administrator sees an ICE or HSI agent at school, he wrote, they should contact the Executive Director of School Safety, Charles Silverstein.
In terms of safety and privacy, Barnes wrote that if any enforcement actions within the community may result in an unattended child, they will seek the proper authorities to help assist them.
Barnes then said the district does not collect or request information on immigration status. This stems from a U.S. Supreme Court case Plyler v. Doe. He also reaffirmed that student records requests follow specific protocols to protect privacy and comply with legal requirements.
The superintendent ended by writing, “We recognize that these topics may bring anxiety, and we want to assure you that our focus remains on fostering a welcoming environment where all students feel safe, valued, and able to learn without fear.”
Full statement:
For Immediate Release: The following message was sent to NHCS Families:
"Dear Students, and Families,
At New Hanover County Schools, we are deeply committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for all students, families, and staff. We understand that concerns about immigration enforcement can be stressful, and we want to reassure you that our schools remain safe spaces dedicated to learning and growth.
I recently met with the Resident Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for this region. He has assured us that schools and school events will not be affected by enforcement actions. Their focus is solely on addressing public safety risks, not on targeting law-abiding individuals.
To further ensure student and community safety, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will coordinate with the Sheriff’s Office regarding any public safety concerns. If the Sheriff’s Office is contacted, our district will be notified promptly. HSI has reiterated that their enforcement priorities are strictly limited to individuals who pose a danger to public safety.
We deeply value our strong partnership with the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office (NHCSO), which shares our unwavering commitment to the safety of our school communities. Our district maintains ongoing communication with NHCSO and HSI to stay informed and responsive to any developments.
If an ICE or Homeland Security agent is seen at a school, principals must immediately contact, the NHCS Executive Director of School Safety, as this may indicate an unauthorized individual. The district remains in regular communication with HSI and will be immediately informed of any policy changes that may arise.
Student Safety and Privacy:
- In any situation where enforcement actions within the community may result in an unattended child, appropriate authorities will be contacted to ensure the child’s safety and well-being.
- Families can rest assured that the district does not collect or request immigration status information.
- Student records requests follow strict protocols designed to protect privacy and comply with all legal requirements.
We recognize that these topics may bring anxiety, and we want to assure you that our focus remains on fostering a welcoming environment where all students feel safe, valued, and able to learn without fear.
Thank you for being a vital part of our school community and for your continued trust in us to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for every student.
Sincerely,
Christopher R. Barnes, Ed.D. Interim Superintendent New Hanover County Schools"
Prior reporting
- Some in the local Hispanic-Latino speak out about ‘fear’ following new federal policies
- The Dive: Iced Out; Food for Thought
- How Cape Fear region schools are responding to new ICE policy, increased activity
- Church World Services Wilmington furloughs staff, asks the community for help
- Federal orders cause chaos and concern for refugee services in the Cape Fear region
- A closer look at immigrants and schools in NHC after the newcomer school debate
- The Mosley Story: Unpacking misinformation and narratives around the newcomer school debate
- New Hanover County commissioners approve Hispanic-Latino Commission
