CMS Provides Principals Training on Handling ICE Visits to Schools

Key Takeaways

• CMS started ICE visit training for principals and staff, effective July 2025, clarifying public area access rules.
• Staff must verify ICE warrants before cooperating; legal advice to families by staff is prohibited.
• CMS supports immigrant families with over 40 actions since November 2024, including ‘Know Your Rights’ materials.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) has introduced new training and policies for principals and school staff on how to respond if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) visits a school. These changes, effective as of July 2025, come after shifts in federal immigration enforcement and growing concerns among families and educators about the safety and rights of undocumented students. This update provides a clear summary of what has changed, who is affected, what actions are required, and what these changes mean for pending and future situations involving ICE at CMS schools.

Summary of What Changed

CMS has taken several steps to address the presence of ICE on or near school grounds:

• Principals and school officials now receive formal training on how to handle ICE visits.
• CMS clarified that ICE agents can enter public areas of schools (like lobbies, waiting areas, and parking lots) without prior permission from the district.
• Staff must only comply with ICE requests if agents present a valid warrant or subpoena.
• CMS staff and teachers are instructed not to provide legal advice to students or families about immigration matters.
• CMS encourages the distribution of “Know Your Rights” materials by approved organizations, as long as they follow district policy.
• The district has taken over 40 actions since November 2024 to support immigrant communities, including legal guidance and school-based training.

These changes reflect both new federal enforcement practices and the district’s commitment to balancing legal compliance with the safety and well-being of all students.

Who Is Affected by the New CMS Policies

The updated CMS policies and training directly affect several groups:

• Principals and School Staff: They are now required to follow specific procedures if ICE visits a school. This includes allowing ICE into public areas, verifying the presence of a valid warrant or subpoena before taking further action, and not giving legal advice to families.
• Undocumented Students and Their Families: These students remain entitled to a public education, regardless of immigration status. However, they may experience increased anxiety or fear if ICE is present on or near school property.
• Community Advocates and Immigrant Support Organizations: These groups are encouraged to work with CMS to provide “Know Your Rights” information and support to families, as long as they comply with district rules.
• CMS Board Members and Leadership: They are responsible for overseeing the implementation of these policies, responding to community concerns, and making further adjustments as needed.

Effective Dates and Timeline

• The most recent training for principals and school officials took place in July 2025.
• The current CMS directive on ICE enforcement was issued in early 2025.
• CMS has been taking ongoing actions to support immigrant families since November 2024.
• Distribution of “Know Your Rights” materials by approved organizations is allowed as of July 2025, provided district policies are followed.

Required Actions for Principals, Staff, and Families

Principals and school staff must take the following steps if ICE visits a CMS school:

1. Allow ICE agents into public areas of the school (lobby, waiting area, parking lot) without prior permission.
2. Ask ICE agents to present a valid warrant or subpoena before allowing them access to non-public areas or providing any information.
3. Do not interfere with ICE operations if a valid warrant is presented.
4. Do not provide legal advice to students or families about immigration matters.
5. Contact the CMS Office of General Counsel immediately for guidance and support.
6. Document the visit and any actions taken for district records.

For students and families:

• Undocumented students have the right to attend public school, regardless of immigration status.
• If ICE is present, families should remain calm and seek information from trusted sources.
• Families are encouraged to review “Know Your Rights” materials provided by approved organizations.
• Do not rely on school staff for legal advice; instead, contact a qualified immigration attorney or advocacy group.

For community advocates:

• Work with CMS to distribute accurate “Know Your Rights” materials.
• Offer support and resources to families affected by ICE activity near schools.
• Advocate for trauma-informed training and clear communication from CMS.

Implications for Pending and Future Situations

The new CMS policies and training have several important implications for pending and future situations involving ICE:

• School staff are now better prepared to respond to ICE visits, reducing confusion and the risk of legal mistakes.
• Undocumented students and families have clearer information about their rights and what to expect if ICE is present.
• Community organizations have a formal pathway to provide support and information, helping families feel less isolated.
• CMS leadership can point to specific actions taken to support immigrant communities, which may help build trust and reduce fear.
• Ongoing feedback from staff, families, and advocates will likely shape future policy updates and training programs.

Background and Reasons for the Policy Change

The need for updated CMS policies and training arose after the Trump administration reversed earlier rules that limited immigration enforcement in sensitive areas like schools. This change meant that ICE could once again conduct operations in or near schools, raising concerns among educators, students, and families.

Before 2025, CMS had little formal guidance for principals and staff on how to handle ICE visits. This lack of clear policy led to uncertainty and fear, especially among undocumented families who worried about the safety of their children at school. Teachers also felt unprepared to support students facing immigration-related stress.

In response, CMS leadership worked with the Office of General Counsel to develop new training and directives. These efforts aimed to clarify the legal rights and responsibilities of school staff, protect students’ access to education, and address community concerns about immigration enforcement.

Details of the New CMS Training for Principals

The most recent training for CMS principals was delivered through a webinar organized by the Office of General Counsel. Key points from the training include:

• ICE agents can enter public areas of schools without prior permission from the district.
• School staff must ask ICE agents to present a valid warrant or subpoena before allowing them access to non-public areas or providing information.
• If ICE presents a valid warrant, staff must comply but should not interfere with enforcement actions.
• Staff are not allowed to give legal advice to students or families.
• Principals should contact the CMS Office of General Counsel immediately for help.
• All visits and actions should be documented for district records.

This training is designed to help principals and staff follow the law while keeping students and staff safe. It also aims to reduce the emotional impact of ICE visits by providing clear steps and support.

Policy on ICE Enforcement in Schools

CMS’s directive on ICE enforcement, issued in early 2025, sets out the following rules:

• ICE agents have the right to enter schools with a valid warrant.
• Public schools cannot deny education to undocumented students.
• Staff must not interfere with ICE operations when a warrant is presented.
• Staff and teachers are not allowed to provide legal advice about immigration.
• Distribution of “Know Your Rights” materials is allowed by approved organizations, as long as they follow district policy.

This policy is meant to protect the legal rights of students and families while ensuring that CMS complies with federal law.

Community and Staff Concerns

Despite these new policies and training, many teachers and families still feel anxious and unprepared. Teachers report that they need more comprehensive training, especially on how to support students who may be traumatized by ICE activity. Families want clearer communication and more resources to help them understand their rights.

After a controversial ICE arrest near Charlotte East Language Academy in May 2025, parents and advocates called on CMS to do more to protect immigrant families. They asked for:

• More training for all school staff, not just principals.
• Wider distribution of “Know Your Rights” materials to students and families.
• Trauma-informed approaches to help students cope with stress and fear.

CMS board member Liz Monterrey Duvall confirmed that the district is working with approved organizations to provide these materials and has taken over 40 actions since November 2024 to support immigrant communities.

Practical Steps for Schools, Families, and Advocates

For principals and school staff:

• Attend all required CMS training sessions on ICE procedures.
• Review the CMS directive and keep a copy of the procedures in the main office.
• Know how to contact the CMS Office of General Counsel quickly.
• Stay calm and follow the steps outlined in the training if ICE visits the school.
• Do not give legal advice or make promises to families about immigration matters.

For students and families:

• Remember that all children have the right to attend public school, no matter their immigration status.
• If ICE is present, do not panic. Ask for help from trusted community organizations.
• Read and keep “Know Your Rights” materials provided by approved groups.
• Contact a qualified immigration attorney for legal questions.
• Do not share personal information with ICE agents unless required by law.

For community advocates:

• Partner with CMS to distribute accurate, easy-to-understand “Know Your Rights” materials.
• Offer workshops or support groups for families affected by ICE activity.
• Encourage CMS to expand trauma-informed training for all staff.
• Monitor the impact of ICE visits on students and report concerns to CMS leadership.

Expert and Stakeholder Perspectives

Educators, parents, and advocates have shared a range of views on the new CMS policies:

• Educators: Many teachers want more training on how to support students who are worried about immigration enforcement. They also want clearer communication from CMS about what to do in stressful situations.
• Parents and Advocates: Families and community groups are concerned about the emotional impact of ICE activity near schools. They worry that students may lose trust in their schools or feel unsafe.
• CMS Leadership: District leaders say they are working hard to balance legal requirements with the need to protect and inform immigrant families. They point to the many actions taken since late 2024 as proof of their commitment.

Future Outlook and Next Steps

CMS is expected to keep updating its training and policies as federal immigration enforcement practices change and as the community provides feedback. Possible next steps include:

• Expanding training to include all school staff, not just principals.
• Making “Know Your Rights” materials available in more languages and formats.
• Offering more trauma-informed training to help staff support students who are stressed or afraid.
• Continuing to monitor ICE activity near schools and adjusting policies as needed.

CMS will likely work closely with community organizations and legal experts to make sure families have the information and support they need.

Official Resources and Where to Get Help

If you have questions or need help, you can contact:

• CMS Office of General Counsel: They provide legal guidance and training on ICE visits. CMS Office of General Counsel
• CMS Board of Education: They oversee policy decisions and can respond to appeals or concerns.
• Local immigrant advocacy organizations: These groups can help families understand their rights and connect them with legal support.

For more information about ICE policies and your rights, you can also visit the official U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes at CMS reflect a growing trend among school districts across the United States 🇺🇸 to provide clearer guidance and support for immigrant families in response to shifting federal enforcement policies.

Actionable Takeaways

• Principals and staff should review and follow the new CMS training and directives on ICE visits.
• Families should stay informed about their rights and seek help from trusted organizations if needed.
• Community advocates should continue working with CMS to provide resources and support.
• All stakeholders should watch for future updates from CMS as policies and training evolve.

By following these steps and staying informed, schools and families can better handle the challenges of ICE activity while protecting the rights and well-being of all students.

Learn Today

ICE → Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a U.S. federal agency enforcing immigration laws.
Warrant → A legal document authorizing law enforcement to conduct searches or make arrests.
Subpoena → A legal order requiring a person to appear in court or produce evidence.
Know Your Rights → Informative materials helping immigrants understand legal protections and procedures involving immigration enforcement.
Office of General Counsel → CMS department providing legal guidance and training regarding ICE visits and policies.

This Article in a Nutshell

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools updated policies and training for ICE visits, effective July 2025. Staff must follow legal protocols, supporting immigrant students’ rights while cooperating safely with ICE enforcement in public school areas, reflecting evolving federal policies and community concerns.
— By VisaVerge.com