Denver Public Schools sues over immigration enforcement in schools

In response to a recent federal policy allowing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement access to school grounds, Denver Public Schools (DPS) filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security. The district claimed that the policy, enacted by the Trump administration, had significantly contributed to a decline in student attendance, as many families were apprehensive about potential immigration enforcement actions occurring at schools. Superintendent Alex Marrero highlighted the detrimental impact such fears had on the educational environment, prompting the need for legal action to reinstate protections for sensitive locations like schools. The suit points to the lack of substantial justification from DHS for rescinding previous protections and argues that the current policy is both arbitrary and disregards the severe implications for students and families. The lawsuit is positioned as a necessary step to protect the right of all children, regardless of immigration status, to pursue education without intimidation from federal authorities. Alongside this, the suits made clear that an open and clear communication of these policies is vital for the schools and the community they serve. As such, Denver Public Schools is striving to achieve a temporary restraining order against the enhanced powers granted to federal immigration officials, emphasizing the goal of fostering a safe environment conducive to learning.