U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents can now enter public areas of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) without advance permission, starting July 18, 2025. This change follows new federal rules set earlier in 2025, ending years of schools being considered “protected areas” where ICE actions were strongly discouraged.
What’s Changed and Why It Matters
The most important update is that ICE agents are now allowed in public areas of CMS campuses—like lobbies, waiting areas, and parking lots—without needing to ask school officials first. This shift comes after the Trump administration reversed earlier protections in January 2025, letting ICE conduct enforcement actions at places that were previously off-limits, including schools and churches. The move has caused worry and confusion among immigrant families, students, and school staff in Charlotte and across the United States 🇺🇸.
How the New Policy Works
- ICE agents can enter public areas (lobbies, parking lots, waiting areas) of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools without permission.
- ICE agents cannot enter private areas (classrooms, offices, hallways) unless they have a judicial warrant—a warrant signed by a judge. Warrants signed only by ICE officials do not allow entry into these spaces.
- CMS has started new training for principals and staff, including required webinars, to make sure everyone understands the rules and knows how to respond if ICE comes to a school.
Background: How Did We Get Here?
In 2021, President Biden’s administration made schools “protected areas.” This meant ICE was told not to take enforcement actions in or near schools, to help students and families feel safe. But in January 2025, President Trump’s administration canceled this guidance. Now, ICE can go to schools and other places that were once protected.
This change has led to more visible ICE activity near schools. For example, in May 2025, ICE arrested two people near Charlotte East Language Academy. Parents and students saw ICE vehicles in the school drop-off line, which caused fear and led to many questions about what ICE can and cannot do on school grounds.
What CMS Is Doing to Respond
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools has taken several steps to help students, families, and staff:
- Updated Policies and Training: CMS updated its “Immigration – Educational Rights and Educator Guide” and made all principals complete new immigration training before the August 2025 school year.
- Clear Communication: The CMS communications team explained that letting ICE into public areas is not a new school rule, but a result of current federal law and public access rights.
- Know Your Rights Education: The CMS board and PTA groups are working to give students and families more information about their rights if they see ICE at school.
What Does This Mean for Students and Families?
Even with these changes, undocumented students still have the right to a public education. Schools cannot deny enrollment based on immigration status, and they cannot ask about or keep track of a student’s immigration status. This is protected by federal law, and CMS has reminded staff of these rules.
However, the presence of ICE on or near school grounds has caused real fear. In the 2024-25 school year, absences among Hispanic students rose by 9.6%, compared to a 6.8% increase across all students. Many families are worried about being seen by ICE, even if they have done nothing wrong.
How Staff Are Being Trained
CMS has made it a priority to train principals and staff on how to handle ICE visits:
- Distinguishing Warrants: Staff learn the difference between a judicial warrant (signed by a judge) and an ICE administrative warrant (signed only by ICE). Only a judicial warrant allows ICE into private areas.
- Protecting Privacy: Staff are told to protect student privacy and only share information as required by law.
- Responding to ICE: If ICE comes to a school, staff must follow the new protocols, check any warrants, and call the CMS legal team if needed.
What Areas Can ICE Access?
Here’s a simple breakdown of where ICE can and cannot go at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools as of July 2025:
| Area of School | ICE Access Without Permission | ICE Access With Judicial Warrant | ICE Access With ICE Warrant Only |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public areas (lobby, parking lot, waiting area) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Private areas (classrooms, hallways, offices) | No | Yes | No |
Key Points for Families and Students
- ICE can be in public areas of schools without asking permission.
- ICE cannot go into classrooms or offices unless they have a warrant signed by a judge.
- Schools cannot ask about your immigration status or deny you an education because of it.
- If you see ICE at school, stay calm and remember your rights. You do not have to speak to ICE or share personal information unless they have a valid warrant.
Community and Advocacy Group Actions
Local advocacy groups and the CMS Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) are working hard to support immigrant families. They are:
- Distributing “Know Your Rights” materials in multiple languages.
- Hosting community meetings to answer questions and share information.
- Connecting families with legal support if they are worried about ICE actions.
These groups encourage families to talk with their children about what to do if they see ICE at school and to reach out for help if they feel unsafe.
Official Resources and Where to Get Help
- CMS Communications Office: For official statements and policy updates, families can contact the CMS Communications Office or visit the CMS website.
- CMS “Immigration – Educational Rights and Educator Guide”: Available at school offices and online, this guide explains student rights and what staff should do if ICE comes to a school.
- Local Advocacy Organizations: Many groups in Charlotte offer free legal advice and “Know Your Rights” workshops. Families can ask their school for a list of trusted organizations.
Federal Guidance and Legal Background
The rules about ICE in schools come from federal law and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policies. Under the Trump administration’s 2025 changes, ICE can now enter public areas of schools, but they still need a judicial warrant to go into private spaces. For more on ICE’s enforcement policies, visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement official site.
How This Affects the School Community
The new policy has created stress for many students, especially those from immigrant families. Some students are afraid to come to school, worried that they or their family members might be targeted by ICE. Teachers and principals say they are doing their best to reassure students and keep schools welcoming for everyone.
A CMS principal shared, “Our job is to make sure every child feels safe and supported at school. We follow the law, but we also stand by our students and families.”
Parents have voiced their concerns at school board meetings. One parent said, “We want our kids to learn without fear. Seeing ICE at school makes us feel like we don’t belong.”
What Are the Next Steps for CMS?
CMS leaders say they are still working on more detailed guidelines for handling ICE visits. They plan to release these updates before the 2025-26 school year starts. The district is also tracking student absences and well-being to see how the new policy is affecting families.
CMS Board of Education members have promised to keep listening to families and to push for policies that protect students’ rights. They are also working with local lawmakers and advocacy groups to look for ways to support immigrant students.
Possible Legal and Policy Challenges
Some civil rights groups are considering legal action to challenge the new federal rules. They argue that allowing ICE into schools without permission could violate students’ rights and make it harder for children to get an education.
Advocates say they will keep fighting for safe schools. “No child should have to worry about ICE when they go to class,” said a local community leader.
What Can Families Do Right Now?
- Stay Informed: Read the CMS “Immigration – Educational Rights and Educator Guide” and attend school meetings about these changes.
- Talk to Your Children: Explain what ICE is and what to do if they see ICE at school. Remind them that they have the right to go to school, no matter their immigration status.
- Know Your Rights: Learn what ICE can and cannot do on school grounds. If ICE tries to enter a private area without a judicial warrant, staff should not let them in.
- Reach Out for Help: If you have questions or feel unsafe, contact your school, the CMS Communications Office, or a trusted advocacy group.
Looking Ahead: What to Watch For
- More Policy Updates: CMS is expected to release more detailed rules before the next school year.
- Community Support: Advocacy groups will keep offering workshops and legal help.
- Possible Legal Challenges: Civil rights groups may go to court to try to change the new rules.
- Student Well-being: CMS will keep watching for changes in attendance and student health, especially among immigrant families.
Summary Table: ICE Access to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (July 2025)
| Area of School | ICE Access Without Permission | ICE Access With Judicial Warrant | ICE Access With ICE Warrant Only |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public areas (lobby, parking lot, waiting area) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Private areas (classrooms, hallways, offices) | No | Yes | No |
Key Takeaway:
As of July 2025, ICE agents are allowed in public areas of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools without prior permission, reflecting a major policy change under the Trump administration. CMS is working to train staff, update policies, and support students and families through this uncertain time.
For More Information
- Visit the CMS website for official updates and resources.
- Read the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement guidance on schools for federal rules.
- Contact local advocacy groups for legal help and “Know Your Rights” materials.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes highlight the need for clear communication, strong community support, and ongoing monitoring to make sure all students can learn in a safe environment. Families, staff, and community groups are working together to protect students’ rights and well-being, even as federal policies shift.
Action Steps for Families and Staff
- Stay updated on CMS policies and attend school meetings.
- Share information about rights and resources with other families.
- Support each other by joining PTA or advocacy group events.
- Ask questions if you are unsure about what ICE can do at school.
By working together and staying informed, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools community can help make sure every student feels safe and welcome, no matter their background or immigration status.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, enforcing immigration laws including actions in public school areas.
Judicial Warrant → A legal document signed by a judge allowing ICE entry into private areas in schools.
Public Areas → Parts of schools accessible to all, like lobbies and parking lots, where ICE can enter freely.
Private Areas → Restricted parts of schools such as classrooms and offices needing judicial warrants for ICE entry.
CMS → Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools district managing local public education and adapting policies on ICE access.
This Article in a Nutshell
ICE agents now access public spaces at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools without prior permission as of July 2025, causing concern. CMS trains staff rigorously to protect student rights and privacy, ensuring undocumented students maintain public education access despite federal policy shifts under the Trump administration reversing earlier protections.
— By VisaVerge.com
