California AG Rob Bonta gives advice if ICE shows up at schools
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - California Attorney General Rob Bonta on Tuesday highlighted guidance to students, their families and teachers to let them know their rights if ICE agents come to their campuses, as President Donald Trump wields his anti-immigration campaign.
Why you should care:
Roughly 133,000 undocumented children between the ages of 3 and 17 years are enrolled in California public schools, and 750,000 K-12 students in California have an undocumented parent, according to the Migration Policy Institute.
"The first 15 days of President Trump's term have left many people feeling scared, anxious and uncertain about their rights and about their protections," Bonta said at a news conference. "Sadly, I think that's part of the president's intent, overwhelming us with damaging, chaotic, illegal executive orders that impede on the values that make our country great."
Bonta said that he is trying to counter Trump's rhetoric by reminding Californians that its schools are a "welcoming, inclusive and safe" place for all, regardless of immigration status, gender identity or sexual orientation.
"All children have a constitutional right to access a public education," Bonta said. "Schools are meant to be a safe place for children to learn and grow."
While California is a sanctuary state and local officials do not have to cooperate with ICE, there are certain situations when they do have to abide by federal law – for example, school officials would have to allow federal immigration officials inside a school if they have a proper judicial warrant, but could keep them outside if they don't.
He added it was quite disappointing that Trump decided to abandon a long-standing policy of ICE not to approach "sensitive places," such as schools, and reiterated that "we cannot stop the federal government from using their resources" or stop them from accessing public areas, like a school parking lot or lobby.
"But let me be clear," Bonta said. "The president's order has no law, generally, precluding state and local officials from assisting the federal government from assisting with immigration enforcement."
More: What to do if ICE shows up in California: Immigration resource guide
The other side:
Trump has made cracking down on immigration a top priority, just as he did during his first term in the White House from 2017 to 2021.
He has often portrayed his efforts as unleashing the ability of ICE agents and others in immigration enforcement from Biden-era guidelines that he said restricted their efforts to find and remove people who no longer have the authority to remain in the country.
"This action empowers the brave men and women in CBP and ICE to enforce our immigration laws and catch criminal aliens — including murderers and rapists — who have illegally come into our country. Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest," the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement the day after Trump took office.
What you can do:
In a 54-page document, Bonta reminded school officials that if an immigration officer comes to campus, teachers should first notify the administrator, and ask to make a copy of the officer's credentials, including their name and badge number and the phone number of their supervisor.
The teacher should also ask the ICE agent why they were on school grounds and to produce any documentation that authorizes this access.
Bonta suggested the teachers make copies of all the documents provided by the officer.
If the ICE agent declares there is an emergency, sometimes called "exigent circumstances," or provides a signed federal judicial warrant with the correct name and address of the person, teachers do have to let them in.
If that happens, Bonta warned teachers not to physically block the officers.
Even if the ICE agents don't have the proper paperwork, Bonta also advised them not to block the officers, but to document their behavior with video and pictures.
Bonta suggested that parents be notified ASAP before an officer can question or remove a student, unless a judicial warrant has been presented.
Finally, Bonta said that if any type of immigration enforcement happens on campus, they should email his office at immigration@doj.ca.gov.
More: Can sanctuary cities protect you from deportation? Here are the criteria for ICE detentions
Below are samples of what an ICE warrant or deportation removal document looks like.




Other rights and guidance provided by AG's Office:
The right to apply for and secure housing without sharing your immigration status
California law prohibits housing providers from asking about your immigration status unless you are applying for affordable housing funded by the federal government. Additionally, housing providers cannot harass or intimidate you by threatening or sharing information about your immigration status to ICE, law enforcement, or other government agencies.
The right to access emergency medical care
Federal laws and regulations ensure the rights of all people to access emergency medical care, including undocumented immigrants.
The right to an attorney
If you are arrested by police, you have the right to a government-appointed attorney. If you are detained by ICE and/or are facing immigration proceedings, you have the right to seek legal assistance through an attorney.
State and local law enforcement cannot ask for your immigration status
California law expressly prohibits law enforcement from inquiring about a person's immigration status for immigration enforcement purposes.
State and local law enforcement cannot share your personal information
This includes sharing your home or work address for immigration purposes, unless that information is available to the public or unless that information involves previous criminal arrest, convictions or similar criminal history.
State and local law enforcement cannot assist ICE with immigration enforcement, with very limited exceptions
This means they cannot investigate, cannot interrogate, cannot arrest, and cannot detain you unless it is as part of a joint federal task force where the primary purpose is not immigration enforcement.
Right to a free public education
All children have a right to equal access to free public education, regardless of their or their parents'/guardians' immigration status.
Information required for school enrollment
Schools must accept a variety of documents from the student's parents or guardian to demonstrate proof of child's age or residency and schools are not required to keep a copy of the document used as proof of a child's age.
Confidentiality of personal information
Federal and state laws protect student education records and personal information. These laws generally require that schools obtain written consent from parents or guardians before releasing student information, unless the release of information is for educational purposes, is already public, or is in response to a court order or subpoena.
Go to a legitimate legal aid organization for free legal help
Many nonprofit organizations provide free immigration help to low-income individuals, such as those found through the resources below. To find a legal aid organization near you, go to lawhelpca.org.
Keep your original documents in a safe place
Don't give your original documents to anyone unless you see proof that the government requires the original document. If you give someone an original, they may lose it or refuse to return it unless you pay them.
Do not hire an immigration consultant or a notary
Only lawyers, accredited representatives, and recognized organizations can give you legal advice or represent you in immigration court. Immigration consultants – who may call themselves immigration experts, notarios, notaries public, or paralegals – cannot do so.
Do not give money or personal information to anyone who calls, texts, or emails you claiming that there is a problem with your immigration matter
No federal or state agency, including USCIS, will ever ask for your personal information or payment over the phone, by email, or text.