January 24, 2025
A Note From CPS Leadership
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Dear CPS Colleagues, Families, and Supporters,
Much has happened in just the first week of the new presidential administration, including the elimination of a long-held policy that named schools as “sensitive spaces” when it comes to immigration enforcement. I know that this has many in our CPS community feeling deeply unsettled, and I am truly sorry for the unfair burden of fear and anxiety that is being placed on our immigrant families right now.
I want to speak directly to our CPS parents. Even with everything that’s happening, the best, safest place for your children is at school. First off, school is where they will receive the high-quality education they need and deserve. But beyond that, each CPS school is FILLED with adults who will go above and beyond every day to protect and care for your children.
As we’ve said many times, CPS DOES NOT ask for the immigration status of our students or families, and WILL NOT cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents who come to our schools unless they have a criminal judicial warrant signed by a federal judge. Even in that rare instance, we have a team of lawyers available at all times to review those warrants.
I want families to know that our District, city, and state are completely aligned on this issue. There are laws and policies, including the Illinois Trust Act and Chicago Welcoming City Ordinance, that are in place to protect our children, regardless of any changes that are made at the federal level.
The one thing we are asking of our families is to make sure your school has updated emergency contact information on file. Beyond that, we simply want you to send your kids to school every day with the confidence that we will protect and care for them.
Families can find a wealth of resources on immigration services, including a schedule of free “Know Your Rights” trainings and workshops, on our website at cps.edu/newadminguidance.
