Nevada Latino Caucus Guides Schools on Immigrant Rights Amid Rising Fears

Key Takeaways

• On February 23, 2025, the Nevada Latino Legislative Caucus hosted a forum to educate schools about immigrant students’ constitutional rights.
• The Family Unity Support Act provides education access, legal aid, and social services for U.S.-born children of detained/deported parents.
• The caucus collaborates with the ACLU to address fears of immigration enforcement at sensitive locations like schools and churches.

The Nevada Latino Legislative Caucus has taken an important step to address growing fears of immigration enforcement. Amid concerns about federal immigration actions under President Donald Trump, the caucus is educating schools about the rights of immigrant students. This initiative is designed to ensure that educators and administrators understand and uphold these rights, even during times of heightened federal immigration activity.

On February 23, 2025, the caucus held a forum aimed at providing a space for dialogue and education. This event allowed school staff and administrators to learn about constitutional rights and specific legal protections for immigrant students. Assemblywoman Cecelia González, the leader of the caucus, emphasized the urgency of these measures, noting the increasing fear among immigrant families in Nevada. In some cases, families are so worried about potential immigration raids that they are keeping their children home from school.

Nevada Latino Caucus Guides Schools on Immigrant Rights Amid Rising Fears

One of the main concerns the caucus aims to tackle involves children from mixed-status families. These are families where some members are undocumented, creating uncertainty about their future. To support these vulnerable families, González has introduced the Family Unity Support Act. This legislation proposes several safeguards to protect U.S.-born children whose undocumented parents might face detention or deportation. The act aims to ensure these children have access to education, legal aid, and social services if their parents are taken away.

Key Features of the Family Unity Support Act

The Family Unity Support Act includes critical measures designed to protect children in mixed-status families. These features include:

Ensuring continued access to education for children affected by deportation or detention.
Offering families legal resources to guide them through immigration proceedings.
Providing social services to help families maintain stability during difficult periods.
Creating clear protocols for schools and social service agencies to follow in cases of parental detention or deportation.

Although the bill is still being finalized, the caucus is working to assign its oversight to an appropriate state agency. These efforts are part of a broader push to address the challenges faced by Nevada’s immigrant communities.

Other Legislative Efforts by the Caucus

Apart from the Family Unity Support Act, the Nevada Latino Legislative Caucus has been actively pursuing other bills and initiatives. Many of these are focused on helping immigrant communities through education and social support. One significant proposal is the English Learners Accountability and Success Act, introduced by Assemblywoman Selena Torres-Fossett. This bill focuses on improving educational outcomes for students who are learning English as a second language. It calls for detailed plans to support these students and strengthen data collection and accountability systems in schools.

Another initiative, the Teaching Beyond Testing Act, addresses Nevada’s teacher shortage. It aims to retain teachers and promote diversity in the teaching workforce by modernizing Nevada’s licensing process for educators. Alongside these efforts are proposals to expand dual-language programs in schools and increase funding for programs serving low-income students, English language learners, and migrant children. These measures highlight the caucus’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to education for all children.

The caucus’s focus on education extends to tackling issues like bullying and discrimination in schools. At the same time, they are advocating for housing protections, labor rights for farm workers, and expanded healthcare access for all, irrespective of immigration status. These initiatives not only address specific immigrant concerns but also improve the overall quality of life for underserved communities in Nevada.

Addressing Immigration Enforcement in Public Spaces

With fears about immigration enforcement at sensitive locations like schools and churches growing, the caucus is collaborating with the ACLU of Nevada to draft a resolution condemning such actions. Although federal policies generally discourage raids at these locations, recent shifts in messaging from the Trump administration have left communities feeling insecure. Families worry that federal agents may no longer respect guidelines designed to protect vulnerable individuals in these spaces.

The caucus has also been working with various organizations to educate immigrants about their rights. Community events, held at places like the Winchester Dondero Cultural Center, allow families to learn about legal protections and how to respond to enforcement actions. These educational forums have featured state officials, such as Attorney General Aaron Ford, and have emphasized practical tools for navigating difficult situations.

Broader Advocacy Efforts

The Nevada Latino Legislative Caucus has been steadfast in addressing the impacts of federal immigration policies. For instance, reports indicate that some families are keeping their children out of school out of fear of being targeted by immigration enforcement. School attendance has fallen in areas with large immigrant populations, with some parents opting for remote learning as a protective measure.

In response, the ACLU of Nevada has launched an online portal where residents can report cases of civil rights violations related to immigration enforcement. This provides a way for community members to document and respond to potential abuses. It also helps advocates and lawmakers better understand how enforcement policies are impacting daily life in Nevada.

Assemblywoman González’s introduction of the Family Unity Support Act exemplifies the caucus’s proactive approach to addressing the fallout from these policies. As the legislative session continues, this bill, alongside other measures, aims to reduce the harm inflicted on families by federal immigration actions.

Efforts Reflect National Challenges

The Nevada Latino Legislative Caucus’s advocacy reflects challenges faced by immigrant communities across the country. Schools, in particular, are at the center of these debates. While federal agencies enforce immigration laws, local and state institutions are shouldering the responsibility of protecting children and maintaining trust within immigrant communities.

State lawmakers around the country are navigating how best to protect residents while complying with federal laws. The actions of the Nevada Latino Legislative Caucus spotlight the need for policies that minimize harm to vulnerable families, especially during periods of heightened enforcement.

The caucus’s efforts are not confined to legislation. Community engagement has been a vital part of its strategy. Events like “know your rights” forums inform families about available legal protections and help reduce confusion and fear. These gatherings also bring together local leaders and community groups, creating a network of support for immigrants.

Preparing for Future Challenges

Looking ahead, Assemblywoman Torres-Fossett and her colleagues foresee additional challenges for Nevada’s immigrant communities. They expect the Trump administration’s immigration agenda to introduce more restrictive policies in the months ahead. This makes the caucus’s work even more critical. To address potential risks, they will continue advocating for legislative safeguards, expanding educational programs, and strengthening community resources.

As the caucus balances immediate needs with long-term advocacy, they serve as a crucial support system for immigrants in Nevada. Their commitment to education, housing, and healthcare initiatives is part of a broader effort to promote stability and fairness for all families in the state.

For more information about federal guidelines on immigration enforcement at sensitive locations, you can visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Sensitive Locations Policy page.

The Nevada Latino Legislative Caucus’s initiatives reflect an ongoing push to address fears and protect rights amid challenging circumstances. Their work underscores the importance of state-level action in supporting immigrant communities, especially during periods of uncertainty. As they navigate these complex issues, their efforts highlight how local leadership can make a tangible difference in safeguarding vulnerable populations.

Learn Today

Immigration Enforcement → Actions by government agencies to enforce immigration laws, including detaining or deporting individuals without legal residency status.
Mixed-Status Families → Families where members have different legal immigration statuses, such as undocumented parents and U.S.-born children.
Deportation → The legal process of removing a foreign individual from a country for violating immigration laws or regulations.
Sensitive Locations → Places like schools or churches where federal guidelines usually discourage immigration enforcement actions to protect vulnerable individuals.
Legal Protections → Specific rights or safeguards under the law designed to provide security or support to individuals, particularly in legal proceedings.

This Article in a Nutshell

The Nevada Latino Legislative Caucus is tackling immigration fears with proactive measures, including the Family Unity Support Act. By educating schools on immigrant rights and offering safeguards for mixed-status families, they address urgent concerns. This balance of advocacy and community support ensures vulnerable families access education, stability, and protection during uncertain times.
— By VisaVerge.com