Summary:
NYC DOE claims it never received a City Hall memo easing federal agent access to city buildings.
The memo permits entry without a warrant if city workers feel "reasonably threatened."
The UFT confirms existing DOE policies remain; non-local law enforcement is not permitted in schools unless legally required.
Concerns remain due to past immigration policies that fueled fear and impacted student attendance.
Council Member Joseph criticizes the memo's unclear and troubling guidance.
NYC Schools Reject City Hall Memo Allowing Easier Federal Agent Access
The New York City Department of Education (DOE) claims it never received a memo from Mayor Eric Adams' office that seemingly simplifies access for federal immigration agents into city buildings. This memo, initially reported by Hell Gate, permits city employees to allow these agents entry without a warrant if they feel reasonably threatened.
This sparked immediate outrage from officials and advocates who argue it jeopardizes sanctuary protections in schools, shelters, and hospitals. The United Federation of Teachers (UFT) confirmed Chancellor Aviles-Ramos stated that the DOE's existing policies remain in place and are unchanged; the DOE does not allow non-local law enforcement into schools unless legally required.
The DOE's existing policy requires principals to request documentation from federal agents and then contact department lawyers for instructions. While there haven't been substantiated instances of ICE agents entering schools, fear persists due to past immigration policies and resulting rumors that impacted student attendance.
<a href="https://infohub.nyced.org/in-our-schools/languageaccess/letters/immigration">The official DOE guidance</a> is available online. Despite the DOE's assertion, the Education Department spokesperson did not clarify whether the City Hall memo applies to public schools or school safety agents employed by the NYPD. Council Member and Education Committee Chair Rita Joseph called the City Hall memo's guidance “unclear and troubling,” creating fear and confusion.
The UFT also stated that the DOE plans to release a statement to families, addressing these concerns. The DOE's established protocols for dealing with federal agents were reiterated to principals recently, and training sessions for school employees were held.
Read Council Member Joseph's statement here
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