Editor's note:
This story was updated to include that Forest Hill Community Learning Center was briefly placed on lock down Tuesday.
Akron Public Schools Superintendent Michael Robinson on Wednesday said Immigration, Customs and Enforcement officials were not reported on any of the school district’s properties, but he added that the federal agency in charge of immigration enforcement may be in the community.
Rumors of ICE raids at several Akron Public Schools’ buildings spread across the city earlier this week, igniting concern and fear across student and faculty populations, according to community members who spoke to Signal Akron. The rumors were dispelled by multiple district officials, who said ICE was not present at any APS buildings on Tuesday.
APS stated in a press release that Forest Hill Community Learning Center was briefly placed in a lock down Tuesday “in response to reports of ICE agents operating in the vicinity.”
No agents entered the school, and the lockdown was lifted after building staff confirmed “no immediate threat to the school.”
A City of Akron spokesperson said it has been unable to confirm reports of an ICE presence in Akron.
“We understand that ICE does have a confirmed presence in Northeast Ohio with an office in Cleveland,” spokesperson Stephanie Marsh wrote in an email.
“We’ve also heard reports from our colleagues in other cities that ICE is acting without notifying other municipalities of their actions or intentions. Neither our office nor APD have had any contact with members of ICE. “We’ve been in contact with APS leadership today and will continue to communicate with our community partners.”
Robinson also shared guidance for local families that may be impacted by President Donald Trump’s nationwide ICE raids. He urged families with vulnerable immigration status to not pull their children out of school.
“We are encouraging all of our families to keep their kids in this school district,” he said.
Robinson said he plans in the coming days to address rumors in communications to parents.
Pat Shipe, whose union represents more than 2,000 teachers and support staff in Akron Public Schools, said her members are ready to protect and provide for their students, and rumors of ICE raids heighten concerns for student safety.
“Even though it thankfully turned out to be a rumor, it’s a foreshadowing of things to come if the federal government continues down the path they are on,” said Shipe, the president of the Akron Education Association.
“We need to protect students. Keep them safe, keep them as worry-free as possible.”
Robinson said the school district will work with Akron families on an individual basis if they are concerned about immigration raids.
District is working to supply guidance to district employees
Robinson’s administration has sent principals and other building staff procedures they should take if ICE shows up at their schools.
“Please note that formal guidance from the state has not yet been provided,” the district guidance reads. “This document will be refined and updated as we continue to receive information.”
There are plans to also send further guidance, Robinson said.
Robinson said it’s difficult to develop protocols for ICE visits at schools because there has been little information from state and federal agencies. He has, though, discussed strategies with public school superintendents across the United States about how to handle these situations. It feels like “COVID all over again” with a lack of guidance or clear protocols.
How APS plans to respond to ICE at schools
If federal agents arrive at Akron schools, APS is asking building staff to request identification from any agents and contact the school resource officer or APS Safety and Security Services.
Staff is then instructed to take agents to “a confidential space in or near the main office.” Building administrators are advised to ask if agents have a warrant or court order.
If they do, the administrator should request a physical copy of the court order and make copies to send to district headquarters. If they do not, the building staff is tasked with asking federal agents to leave school property and contact the school district’s legal representatives.
If the agent’s identification and court orders appear legitimate, Robinson said the schools cannot refuse them.
There’s no “magic bullet,” Robinson said, to stop federal law enforcement from entering schools, especially if they have proper documents, like search and seizure warrants. He plans to acknowledge the rumors in communications to parents within the coming days.
“[Schools are] a place for many children and their families, a place of safety, security and comfort,” said Shipe, the union president. “When we pull that out from them, especially among marginalized communities, where this horrible thing can happen and is hanging over their head, you remove that safety and security.”
Signal Akron’s Gary Estwick contributed to this report.