We know many MEA members are worried about safety in our buildings and the fear and trauma immigration enforcement is creating for children and families, whether it’s in Minneapolis or here in Michigan.

The Michigan Education Association believes that harm is being done to our children by aggressive ICE enforcement – not just first-hand to the children and families directly impacted, but to our students watching these events unfold.

If you hear rumors or concerns about immigration enforcement activity, please follow your district’s established procedures and notify your administrator immediately. Do not attempt to handle these situations on your own. If you need support or have questions about your rights at work, reach out to your local MEA leadership and staff. NEA has developed legal and employment guidance on immigration issues that can answer questions — together, we can navigate situations to stay focused on students’ needs and protect our members.

For many, there’s a desire to do more — here are two first steps:

1. Tonight (Monday, Jan. 26), NEA is partnering with many different labor and civil rights groups on a webinar at 8 p.m. Eastern – RSVP here to learn about your rights when it comes to standing up against ICE raids in your community.
2. NEA is asking members to contact Congress on two fronts: to freeze funding for ICE in the wake of what’s happening in Minneapolis AND to make schools, churches, and hospitals protected spaces from immigration enforcement. Take a moment to fill out both forms and contact your federal lawmakers today.

MEA is working with NEA and our Minnesota counterparts on the best ways for us to support educators and students with the ongoing situation there — as well as with Michigan-based education groups on addressing impacts here at the state level. Stay tuned for more information.