Protestors ask Union County schools where district stands on ICE raids

UNION COUNTY, N.C. — People in Union County want answers from the school district as fears over potential immigration raids in schools impact families. 

There was a protest ahead of the Union County Public Schools meeting with demonstrators asking the district where it stands and if leaders are committed to protecting all children. 

Speculation swirls in Union County after President Donald Trump’s executive order triggered what would be deemed as the largest mass deportation of immigrants living in the U.S. illegally. 

Nayra Valle, a Union County Schools graduate whose child is about to start in the district, took to social media asking if UCPS has a plan for immigrant students and if it would be cooperating with ICE. 

“They just never answer,” Valle said.  ”All students have the right to go to school and feel safe. It’s a big community of immigrants.”  

It is a concern raised out of fear, hearing of reports of ICE agents showing up to public schools looking for children who may be here illegally. 

Meg Bell was a teacher within Union County Public Schools for 25 years and said the district acts within secrecy. 

“I want them to make a statement to staff and tell them what the protocol is,” Bell said.  “I asked what were their plans, could they do something to calm the fears and anxiety, I had some of the former Hispanic parents reach out,  [asking] do I know anything.”

Some parents, including Jen Sanders, are pushing for the board to protect all kids and added the act of ICE entering a school can be traumatizing.  

“I would like the board to say, ‘Hey, all kids are innocent and we should not be allowing this to happen,'” Sanders said. “And then you have to go home and explain what happened to her best friend.”

The two said they understand laws should not be broken, but just want an answer on how it is instruction teachers. 

WCNC Charlotte reached out to every board member. Barry Tucker sent the following statement:

“Union County Public Schools is committed to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment for students and employees. UCPS will adhere to local, state and federal laws and policies regarding immigration matters. Staff members are obligated to safeguard the confidentiality of any private information they access while performing duties.”

The district echoed Tucker’s comments with its response:

“Senior leaders and our general counsel will continue to follow updates related to this executive order to ensure compliance of the law.”

Contact Austin Walker at awalker@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.