Upstate New York School District Issues ICE Protocol Plan

The Catskill Central School District has announced its plan to handle visits from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) if they occur.

Last year, we told you that a few Hudson Valley adult education programs released a "Know Your Rights With ICE" fact sheet, which explains what they should do if they have any interactions with ICE agents. Many cities, towns, and elected officials have also told residents how they should handle any interactions with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Catskill School District Issues ICE Protocol Plan

In an effort to provide a safe, welcoming, and supportive learning environment for every student, the Catskill Central School District recently released its plan to protect children's rights should ICE visit any of its schools.

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The polices, which were posted to the district's website on February 11th, 2026, are as follows:

• Guarantees all students the right to a free public education, regardless of their immigration status.
• Will not collect or share information regarding the immigration status of our students or their families.
• Will not allow ICE to remove a student from school grounds without the proper legal authorization, such as a warrant signed by a judge.
• No ICE officials will be granted entry to schools or given access to students or school records without the proper legal authorization, such as a warrant signed by a judge.
• All ICE requests will be reviewed by the superintendent’s office and the District’s legal counsel before any action may be taken.
• All staff are instructed to refer all ICE inquiries to the superintendent’s office.

"Protecting the rights of all students while complying with applicable laws is our priority," said the district's Interim Superintendent, John Xanthis and Assistant Superintendent Deborah Johnson. "Our goal is to remain transparent and ensure that you feel confident sending your children to school every day."

The updated polices are be instituted to continue to provide students with the "best education possible," said the District.