Good evening. I am Marylin Carrillo, community liaison with the ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties (ACLU-SDIC).
We believe all students should have the freedom to learn, to pursue their dreams and to receive quality education that prepares them for the lives they want to build, regardless of immigration status.
The ACLU-SDIC is deeply committed to protecting the constitutional rights of all students in Imperial County and California.
Notable among those is the fundamental right to education guaranteed by the California Constitution and the right to equal educational opportunity enshrined in the California and U.S. constitutions.
Given the current federal administration’s attacks on immigrant communities and families, there is fear that schools will soon become a venue for immigration enforcement.
As of 2019, 17.8 million children had at least one parent born outside of the United States. This includes naturalized citizens, lawfully present immigrants and undocumented immigrants.
The 2022 census report shows that in El Centro, 30.5 percent of the population is born outside of the United States. Immigration and the threat of mass deportations are issues that deeply impact our community.
Based on these numbers, Central Union High School District (CUHSD) may have many students whose immediate and extended family members fear immigration detention or deportation.
When communities are fearful of immigration enforcement actions like raids occurring, it impacts every aspect of society. Parents may fear going to work or taking their children to school.
Worrying about possible immigration detention and deportation can negatively impact students’ mental health, physical health and ability to learn.
And these enforcement actions are disruptive to all students. Students should not have to live in fear that they may lose friends, family, teachers or anyone else in their communities.
We thank you for bringing this forward, and urge you to vote yes to recognize this school district as a safe haven for students and families.
We want all our youth to succeed, and school should be a welcoming place for all students.
In the State of California, per AB 699, immigration enforcement is not permitted on school grounds.
This board resolution sends a strong message and is a clear reminder to district and school staff, and students and their families that this board promises to uphold the freedom to learn for all students in your district.
This is an important step towards our schools becoming sanctuaries for all students, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or immigration status.
The ACLU-SDIC welcomes the opportunity to partner with the district to advance safeguards for students’ civil rights.
Tonight, we ask you to please vote “Aye” on this important resolution. Thank you.