Immigration Resources

As educators, MEA members are committed to the safety and wellbeing of students, families and the communities we all call home. We believe schools and communities should be places of learning and belonging, and they should be safe for all.

Regarding immigration enforcement situations, MEA is committed to staying focused on student needs while ensuring our members are protected. We are regularly updating this page with resources and calls to action.

Download this flyer to share this information with colleagues.

KEY STEPS: Immigration Enforcement at Schools

In the event of immigration enforcement actions at your school or worksite:

The most essential element to remember: DO NOT attempt to handle situations on your own.
Follow established district or employer procedures and notify administration and your local MEA office immediately.
Reach out to MEA local leadership and staff for assistance, support or answers to questions.

Know Your Rights

NEW (Feb. 20) – Regarding DOJ investigations:
The U.S. Department of Justice has opened investigations into three Michigan school districts – Detroit, Lansing and Godfrey-Lee, all of which have significant immigrant populations – around sexual orientation and gender identity curriculum content. State Superintendent Glenn Maleyko released this statement in support of the districts targeted for investigation and clarifying the DOJ’s misinterpretation of Michigan’s health education guidelines. MEA is working with Maleyko and other state and local officials to ensure that our members and students are fully protected during these investigations. If you are asked for information related to these or similar investigations, contact your local leadership and your MEA UniServ office immediately so we can provide support.

Other resources:

NEA Legal and Employment Guidance on Immigration Issues
NEW (Feb. 16): Guidance Concerning Student Protests
MEA UniServ Directory – Contact your local MEA office if you need assistance
ACLU “Know Your Rights” – Includes resources about attending protests, immigrant family support, international students and more.

Calls to Action

MEA: Contact State Legislature – Pass SB 508 bar immigration enforcement at schools, hospitals and places of worship

NEA: Contact Congress – Freeze Funding for ICE

NEA: Contact Congress – Make schools, churches, and hospitals protected spaces from ICE

NEA is partnering nationally with ACLU – Learn more about how you can get involved through ACLU of Michigan at ACLUMich.org (or contact Jessica Ayoub).

NEA (Feb. 13): NEA Files Emergency Motion to Stop ICE Enforcement Near Schools

Detroit Free Press (Feb. 11): Why Michigan high school students are walking out of class to protest ICE

Michigan Advance (Feb. 10): Report: One ICE facility to expand, two more to be established in Michigan

MEA President in Detroit News (Feb. 4): Protect students from trauma driven by immigration fears

MEA (Feb. 3): Testimony supports bill to bar immigration enforcement in schools

Bridge Michigan (Jan. 28): Ypsilanti schools warn parents to take precautions amid reported ICE detentions

Joint Statement (Jan. 28): Michigan Education Leaders United in Support of Safe, Welcoming Schools – MEA is engaged in constant communication with other groups to mobilize resources to support students and educators with immigration enforcement situations.

NEA (Jan. 25): As Fear Grips Schools, Minnesota Educators Mobilize to Protect Students and Families

The 19^th (Jan. 23): Protesters are outraged over ICE’s latest targets: school-aged children