Dear DPS Community,
On Jan. 21, The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the rescission of immigration enforcement guidelines, which originated more than 30 years ago. Specifically, this policy restricted enforcement actions near sensitive locations, including schools. A DHS press release confirmed that the Acting DHS Secretary signed a directive on Jan. 20, revoking the Biden Administration’s policies regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations.
Today, Denver Public Schools filed a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) to immediately stop DHS from revoking sensitive location status for schools. This emergency filing comes after several ICE arrests took place in neighborhoods surrounding some of our schools last week, negatively impacting some DPS families and students.
DPS must operate according to our Shared Core Value of Students First. This value is a guiding principle that frames our every action and decision, ultimately pushing all members of Team DPS to do what’s right for our students, staff and families. To that end, I want to reassure our community that filing this TRO further signifies that DPS remains committed to providing the highest-quality education to our students and that schools will remain safe, welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environments for all. Our students belong in their schools and deserve to feel safe. The U.S. Constitution requires we provide education for our students regardless of their immigration status or the status of their families.
While DPS may be the first public school district to file a TRO, I encourage other districts nationwide to exercise their power and take action toward protecting their students.
In collaboration,
Dr. Alex Marrero
Superintendent