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RUSD Campuses as Safe Learning Zones

Immigration Enforcement & RUSD Procedures

Riverside Unified School District recognizes immigration enforcement activities in and around District property would be a severe disruption to the learning environment and educational setting for students and establish a pervasive climate of fear, conflict, and stress that affects all students, staff, and the surrounding community – regardless of background. 

In 2017, the Board of Education designated all RUSD campuses as Safe Learning Zones for all students and families, regardless of immigration status. The District is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment and to protecting the rights of immigrant students and their families to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Our Commitment

Riverside Unified School District:

  • Protects student records and privacy
  • Applies procedures consistently across schools
  • Does not initiate communication with federal immigration authorities regarding students or families
  • Does not use District resources, including personnel, to conduct or support immigration enforcement activities

Campus Access Procedures

Riverside Unified School District Policy 3515.19: District Campuses As Safe Learning Zones requires schools to deny all requests from immigration enforcement agencies seeking access to campuses, students, or student records unless compliance is legally required.

Such situations are rare and require thorough review of appropriate legal documentation.

All RUSD schools have been provided with consistent signage marking schools as closed campuses. In accordance with Board policy, all visitors are required to check in at the front office, present identification, and register before accessing campus for legitimate school business. Unauthorized access to campus is prohibited.

Documentation & Review

If a request by any agent involved in immigration enforcement activities occurs:

  • Requests are immediately referred to district administration and legal counsel
  • If the request involves a student, a parent or guardian is notified immediately by staff
  • Officer credentials are verified
  • Written authorization is reviewed
  • Warrants or court orders are reviewed
  • School staff do not independently make legal determinations

Consistent with district procedures, agents are directed to remain in the front office while documentation is reviewed.

If agents cannot provide written authorization and a judicial warrant signed by a judge that specifically identifies the individual or area authorized for search or arrest, access to District property is denied.

If the District’s legal counsel determines access is legally required:

  • Access is strictly limited to what is specifically authorized in the warrant
  • Agents are prohibited from accessing information or areas beyond what is specifically identified in the warrant 
  • Agents are monitored by the principal or designee at all times while on campus
  • The principal or designee will minimize, where practicable, agent or officer interaction with persons outside the scope of the warrant 
  • If a student interview is authorized, it will be conducted in a private location, out of sight and hearing or other students to minimize disruption and protect student privacy
  • The district administrator, principal or designee will attend the interview to monitor the investigation

Student Information & Privacy

Without parent consent or verified legally required judicial authorization, the district does not release:

  • Education records of any kind
  • Personal student information
  • Home or travel information

If presented with a subpoena, including an ICE Administrative Subpoena, the matter is referred to the District’s legal counsel for review. The District will oppose enforcement of subpoenas that are not education-related and will comply only with final court orders as required by law.

The district will provide parental or guardian notification of any such requests unless expressly prohibited by the warrant or court order.

Staff Training & Preparedness

Principals, administrators, and office staff receive training on district protocols governing:

  • Visitor access procedures
  • Documentation review requirements
  • Student privacy protections
  • Emergency response protocols

All staff receive written guidance regarding the District’s Safe Learning Zones policy.

Emergency Circumstances & Safety Response

Under the law, agents and officers may occasionally claim that there are emergency circumstances involving urgent safety concerns that pose an immediate threat to campus security.

If an officer asserts emergency circumstances involving an immediate safety threat, schools implement established safety procedures consistent with districtwide emergency protocols as established in Administrative Regulation 0450: Comprehensive Safety Plan.

If an Agent Does Not Comply With Staff Directions and District Protocol

Consistent with district policy, staff are not expected to physically impede an officer who enters campus without authorization. Employees are trained to prioritize safety and follow district procedures, including immediate implementation of safety protocols, notifying administration, and documenting the interaction. These procedures mirror how schools respond to any unauthorized campus entry.

District Communication When Immigration Enforcement Agents Are on Campus

RUSD prioritizes clear, accurate communication with families. Consistent with California law (Senate Bill 98), the district will notify families at the impacted school if immigration enforcement activity is confirmed on a school campus. Follow up notification to other schools will take place as appropriate.

When Families Are Notified About Immigration Enforcement Activity Near Schools

Families are notified when:

  • Information is verified
  • A situation directly affects the school community, campus operations or safety
  • Communication provides meaningful clarity or reassurance

Communication will be shared with communities directly impacted by the verified activity, not all reports of external activity near schools result in districtwide messaging.

Why Verification Is Necessary

Initial reports may be incomplete or inaccurate.

Verification protects:

  • Accuracy
  • Student privacy
  • Unnecessary stress caused by misinformation

Many of our students and families are experiencing heightened anxiety and fear, and we are committed to verifying facts to protect them from further stress while ensuring information is shared with our community in a timely manner.