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Phoenix Union High School District governing board adopts resolution to protect schools from ICE

The Phoenix Union High School District sign displays a message on N. Central Avenue in Phoenix on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023.
Bridget Dowd/KJZZ
The Phoenix Union High School District.

The Phoenix Union High School District governing board unanimously adopted a resolution declaring its schools as safe zones from immigration enforcement. The action came as many families say they’re feeling fearful.

The resolution reiterates the district’s policy not to admit an individual or organization that would disrupt an educational setting

On Wednesday, the Trump administration rolled back a long-standing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement policy that limited it from carrying out their duties in areas like schools and churches.

“Given this, I want to continuously make sure that our schools remain a safe zone for our students and our families so I think the wording in this particular resolution is very, very, very, clear," governing board member Francisco Pastor-Rivera said.

Ceyshe Napa is the president of the Phoenix Union governing board.

“Our students need to be on our campuses free of fear, regardless of the political climate that we find ourselves in or we find ourselves in the future," she said.

In a letter to families, Phoenix Union’s superintendent reaffirmed that all of its campuses are safe zones and students should have a constitutional right to attend school regardless of immigration status.

Ignacio Ventura is a reporter for KJZZ. He graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in creative writing and a minor in news media and society.