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Immigrant Students and Families Support

Seattle Public Schools Values

At SPS, we are committed to providing safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environments for every student. Our immigrant students and families belong at SPS.

Seattle Public Schools has a constitutional and moral obligation to provide a free, high-quality public education to all students residing within our boundaries. State and federal law prohibit public school districts from discriminating on the basis of race, color, or national origin. State law further prohibits discrimination on the basis of citizenship or immigration status.

We are committed to upholding our students’ sense of security and their right to an equitable education. We will continue to work alongside families, educators, and community partners to advocate for policies and resources that protect our students.

Below you will find guidance and resources for immigrant students and families and our district staff that serve them.

More information about Washington state public schools protections for immigrant students.

Know your rights

Rapid Response

Family Preparedness Plan

Deportation Defense Hotline: Call 1-844-724-3737 to report federal immigration enforcement activity or get connected to emergency resources.  

District Guidance

Immigration enforcement agents will not be granted access to school buildings unless SPS legal counsel is able to verify a judicial warrant.

Superintendent Procedure 4310SP.B – Limiting Immigration Enforcement at Schools

If a school leader is made aware of a rumor or report of immigration enforcement activity near one of our campuses, they will notify the district’s Safety and Security office. The report will be assessed by Safety and Security, and next steps will be determined in partnership with the school leader.  

General Protocols for Staff

Immigration Enforcement on Campus and Direct Requests at Schools

School staff are expected to follow these protocols during any encounter with federal immigration authorities on school grounds, regardless of the request or nature of the visit.

  1. Deny Immediate Building Access. 
    • Front office and other staff should ask the person to wait outside of the building while you contact the principal. 
    • Reiterate that you must follow SPS’s established process and visitor’s policy to ensure a safe and non-disruptive school environment while their request is being evaluated. 
  2. Direct the Individual to the Principal or Designee. 
    • Immediately contact the principal or their designee. 
    • Call for security presence as needed. 
  3. Do Not Share Information.
    • Do not provide any information about an individual student, family member, or SPS employee.  
Reports or Rumors of Off-Campus Immigration Enforcement Activity

School staff are expected to follow these protocols during any observed or reported federal immigration activity that is occurring off-campus but has the potential to impact students, staff, and families at the school.

If federal immigration enforcement activity is observed or reported to be occurring off-campus and near the school, staff shall alert the principal, and forward information about the reported or observed activity as follows:

  1. Notify: Any staff member observing or receiving a report of immigration enforcement activity near a school and on a school day should immediately make a timely report to Safety and Security and inform the principal
  2. Consult: If necessary, Safety and Security will convene a central Response Team with the school leader.
  3. Assess: School leader and central Response Team will identify potential safety concerns and determine appropriate response.

District Family Support Resources

  • School-based counselors, social workers, and nurses
  • Family support workers
  • Referrals to community-based immigrant and refugee organizations
Family Support Program

External Resources

Legal Assistance

Family Supports