Barack Obama Green Charter Schools

We want to assure you that the safety and well-being of our students and their families remain our top priority. We understand that recent developments related to potential ICE deportation activities may have caused uncertainty and concern, and we want you to know that we are here to support you during this time.

We are committed to upholding the privacy and confidentiality of all our families. In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), we will not disclose any student or family information to immigration authorities without the proper legal requirement. Your trust is incredibly important to us, and we will continue to do everything within our power to safeguard it.

In this document, we have provided resources specifically tailored to assist families who may be impacted by possible ICE deportation events. These resources will include information on legal aid, community organizations, and other supportive services. Our goal is to equip you with tools and guidance to navigate this challenging time.

We are ensuring that all stakeholders are trained and prepared to handle any situations that may arise. This includes providing our staff with the necessary knowledge and resources to support students and families effectively, including how to respond in situations involving ICE activity.

We understand that this situation may create stress and emotional challenges for our students and families. To address this, we have put systems in place to provide access to emotional support professionals who are ready to assist. We encourage anyone in need of mental health support to reach out to our school counselors or staff.

We want to emphasize that we love and support every one of our students and families. We are here to ensure that your child’s education remains uninterrupted and that they feel safe and supported at school. Our entire team is dedicated to working alongside you to overcome any challenges that may arise.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s education and well-being. If you have any questions, concerns, or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.

Everyone’s Rights During a Raid

Make sure you and others know what to do if approached by ICE officers.

Inform your family members(even children), housemates, neighbors and co--workers, regardless of their immigration status, of their right to remain silent and all of these rights if ICE or the police comes to your home, neighborhood or workplace.

You have the right to remain silent.

You can refuse to speak to an ICE agent. Do not answer any questions, especially about your birth place, immigration status or how you entered the United States. Say that you want to remain silent until you speak with a lawyer.

You have the right to demand a warrant before letting anyone into your home.

Do not open your door to authorities without a warrant. You do not need to open the door unless an ICE agent shows you a warrant signed by a judge with your specific and correct name and address on it. If they say they have one, do not open the door for them to show it to you. Ask them to slip it under the door or through a window.

You have the right to speak to a lawyer and the right to make a phone call.

You have the right to refuse to sign anything before you talk to a lawyer.

Do not sign anything. That could eliminate your right to speak with a lawyer or have a hearing in front of an

immigration judge. This may result in you being deported immediately without a hearing.

You have the right to refuse to show any documents before speaking with a lawyer.

Remain calm and do not try to run away.

If you do, ICE or the police may use that against you.

What Allies Can Do During an Immigration Raid

If you can do so safely, take photos of, video record, document and report raids and arrests

• Obtain the names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
• Share information about the raid with your co--workers. If there is a union in your workplace, contact a unionofficial.
• If ICE agents or police officers enter without a proper warrant, ask for their names and/or write down their badge numbers.

To report a raid, contact United We Dream’s hotline 1-844-363-1423 or text 877877.

Report any incidents of raids or abuses/mistreatment by ICE, police or

border patrol.

Click the link below to access information

about NJ organizations that can provide

resources and supports.

ImmigrationLawHelp Resources and Support

Make a child care and family preparedness plan!

• Make sure all information and emergency contacts are up to date at your children’s school(s) including who can and cannot pick up your children.
• Create a sheet of emergency numbers and contact information and a file of important documents so that you, your family or your emergency contact person can easily access them.
• Complete a caregiver’s authorization affidavit so another adult can care for your children temporarily.
• Register your child’s birth with your country’s government (for example, with your country’s consulate) if your child was born in the United States.

Click Here To Read The Board of Trustees Resolution that provides clear and concise language around supporting our students,staff, & families

CLICK HERE TO READ THE DISTRICT POLICY FOR ENCOUNTERS WITHLAW ENFORCEMENTRELATING TO IMMIGRANT STUDENTS AND STUDENTS WITH IMMIGRANT FAMILY MEMBERS