The Anaheim Union High School District (AUHSD) formally expressed its support for undocumented students and families who may be affected by the Trump administration’s mass deportation policies in a statement released on Jan. 27. Sent to AUHSD families via Aeries Communications, the statement reaffirmed the district’s commitment previously conveyed in the Resolution No. 2024/25-BOT-02, “Providing All Children Equal Access to Education”, passed by the district’s Board of Trustees on Dec. 20, 2024.
“Our district follows strict policies to protect the rights and privacy of all families, regardless of immigration or citizenship status, ” the statement said. “Please remember that every child has the right to a free and public education, and we are committed to ensuring that right is upheld.”
In addition to the statement, AUHSD shared a list of several organizations for families needing immigration services to refer to, including local nonprofits Orange County Justice Fund and OC Rapid Response Network. The district also shared a “Know Your Rights” card communicating the constitutional rights undocumented immigrants may exercise if approached by U.S. immigration enforcement.
The statement came after Trump signed several executive orders on Jan. 20 ordering mass deportations of undocumented immigrants and halting the processing of foreign migrants and asylum seekers. In addition, a new policy under Trump’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) now permits the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to enter schools, healthcare facilities, and places of worship to conduct arrests, rescinding the Biden administration’s former guidelines that withheld immigration enforcement from these “sensitive” areas.
“Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest,” the DHS said in a statement released on Jan. 21. “The Trump administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement, and instead trusts them to use common sense.”
Following these changes to federal legislation, AUHSD provided professional development for principals across all 21 schools, supplying them with information on the measures AUHSD administrators should be taking amid these new policies. The district also required principals to train all assistant principals, registrars, and office staff on how to navigate the possible situation of being approached by immigration enforcement.
“Our school staff is an ally for kids,” Oxford Academy principal Amber Houston said. “We’re here to help students and families figure this uncertain time out together.”
Family and Community Engagement Specialists (FACES) across the district have also spearheaded efforts to support undocumented students and families. FACES serve as a school’s direct line of communication for families seeking immigration-related assistance.
“Our district wants to be proactive and ensure our families know we are here to support and stand in solidarity with their circumstances,” Oxford Academy FACES Karen Ortega said. “It’s scary for some of our families. It’s a reality.”
The district plans on initiating six town hall meetings from February to April to offer further support for undocumented students and families. The forums will be organized in collaboration with Congressman Lou Correa’s office, the Mexican Consulate, immigration attorneys, and several other AUHSD community partners. Ortega believes the town hall discussions will create a welcoming space for families unsure of how to navigate recent changes in federal immigration policies.
“Whether it’s knowledge or an action plan for their families…we want families to be heard,” Ortega said. “I encourage anyone to attend, whether it’s affecting you personally or if you’re standing as an ally. The town hall meetings will be a great way for one to be acquainted with the circumstances our families are going through.”
The district’s recent measures are not the first of its kind. In 2017, AUHSD’s Board of Trustees unanimously voted to declare the district a sanctuary for students regardless of immigration status. The resolution also asserted that the district would not allow immigration authorities to access student records that could reveal any information regarding immigration status.
“As a dreamer, I often faced uncertainty about my future, but I remained determined to succeed,” said a 2020 AUHSD graduate. “The support of understanding teachers and counselors in the AUHSD made a big difference, providing guidance and encouragement. AUHSD gave me a reason to keep going and let me know, ‘si se puede’.”
