FAQs - Immigration Enforcement & School Procedures

No. Riverside Unified School District has not had immigration enforcement agents enter any of its school campuses.

The District will quickly communicate with families if immigration enforcement agents come on to one of our campuses.

District policy requires schools to deny all requests for campus access unless legally required by a valid judicial warrant or court order signed by a federal or state judge is presented and 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 immigration enforcement agents present documentation, it is immediately referred to the District administration and legal counsel for review. School staff do not make independent legal determinations.

If legal counsel determines that the warrant or court order is valid and legally sufficient:

• Agents are required to remain in the front office while documentation is reviewed.
• A school administrator monitors and documents the interaction.
• Access is limited strictly to what is specifically authorized in the warrant.
• The school community is notified of the incident.

Even in the rare circumstance where a valid judicial warrant exists, immigration enforcement agents do not have unrestricted access to campus.

Please see our Safe Learning Zones page for more information. 
 

Employee safety remains a priority, and staff are trained to avoid actions that could escalate a situation or create safety risks.

Consistent with the District’s Safe Learning Zones Board Policy, schools are required to deny requests for campus access from immigration enforcement agencies unless legally required judicial authorization is presented and reviewed. However, school employees must not physically impede an immigration enforcement officer, even if they appear to be acting beyond their authority.

If an individual enters campus without authorization, staff will follow established District procedures focused on safety and accountability. This includes immediately implementing appropriate safety measures to secure the campus consistent with districtwide emergency protocols for unauthorized individuals entering campus, notifying administration, and documenting the interaction.

These procedures mirror how schools respond to any unauthorized campus entry, and protect staff safety while maintaining the District’s Safe Learning Zone commitments.

Activity near a campus does not automatically indicate school involvement.

RUSD cannot control off-campus enforcement actions. However, the District does not assist federal immigration enforcement activities and does not use District resources to support such actions. Schools prioritize student safety and provide support for students experiencing distress.

The District remains in communication with community organizations in support of our students and encourages families and community members to collaborate with the city and local partners to help address concerns related to areas surrounding schools.

No. Student records and personal information are protected by law.

Initial reports may be incomplete or inaccurate.

District communications are issued once information is confirmed and verified to ensure accuracy, protect student privacy, and prevent misinformation.

Yes. District policies and procedures apply across all RUSD schools.

All campuses operate under Board Policy 3515.19: District Campuses as Safe Learning Zones and follow the same protocols for visitor access, documentation review, parent notification, and incident reporting.

To further support clarity and consistency, the District is providing updated staff training and guidance aligned with Board Policy, Administrative Regulation, and current legal requirements.

Consistent with California law (Senate Bill 98), families are notified if immigration enforcement activity is confirmed on a school campus.

RUSD uses ParentSquare, phone, email, and website updates.

Yes. School administrators have received training to respond appropriately if outside agencies attempt to access a campus.

All RUSD schools require visitors to check in at the front office and present identification, and have signage outlining visitor registration requirements and prohibiting unauthorized access.

If an unauthorized individual attempts to enter campus or a situation elevates safety concerns, the school will follow established safety protocols designed to protect students and staff, maintain calm and supervision, prevent unauthorized access to classrooms, and respond appropriately based on the situation.

If immigration enforcement activity is reported or occurs at a school, the District will communicate with families as quickly as possible once information is confirmed. RUSD uses ParentSquare, phone, email, and website updates. We are committed to being transparent, sharing what we know, and providing clear updates while avoiding the spread of unverified information.

Yes. The District values partnerships with trusted community organizations that support families and provide resources. These partnerships help us respond with care and coordination.

We understand that uncertainty can lead to rumors. When situations arise, we share verified information as soon as appropriate. Families are encouraged to rely on official school and District communications.

Families can help by talking with their children, listening to concerns, reassuring them that school is a safe place, and reaching out to school staff if support is needed.

Families should look for updates through ParentSquare, school and District websites, and official messages from school or District leadership. You can refer to this page to read the latest District announcements or updates related to immigration issues.