Texas School District Issues Immigration Warning, Then Retracts Statement

A school district in South Texas recently sparked concern after warning parents that U.S. Border Patrol agents may check students’ immigration status on school buses. The Alice Independent School District (ISD) sent out a letter on Wednesday, informing parents about the possibility of their children being questioned at highway checkpoints while traveling for extracurricular activities. However, the district later retracted the letter, and Border Patrol officials denied the claim.

The Controversial Letter

Alice ISD Superintendent Anysia Trevino addressed parents in the letter, stating that students might be removed from buses and detained if they could not prove their legal status. The letter further warned that providing false information about citizenship could impact students’ future eligibility for U.S. citizenship or a green card.

The letter caused immediate backlash, leading the district to take it down from its website and Facebook page. A follow-up statement described the warning as a precautionary measure, emphasizing that no Border Patrol agents had boarded school buses in the district.

Border Patrol Responds

In response to the controversy, U.S. Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks clarified on Thursday that agents do not specifically target school buses or children, calling such claims “absurd.” He added that Border Patrol does not plan to board school buses for immigration checks.

Despite this, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) later issued a statement explaining that if a school bus passes through an immigration checkpoint, officers are legally allowed to verify passengers’ immigration status, including students. Under federal law, agents can conduct checks within 100 miles of any U.S. border without a warrant. This policy affects a large portion of the U.S. population, as about two-thirds of Americans live within this zone, according to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

Legal Concerns and Policy Changes

The controversy comes amid broader changes in immigration enforcement. The Trump administration recently revoked a long-standing policy that previously prevented immigration agents from making arrests at sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, and places of worship. This shift has raised concerns among immigrant communities, especially in border states like Texas.

Public Reaction and School District’s Stance

Alice ISD’s decision to issue the letter was met with mixed reactions. Some parents appreciated the district’s attempt to inform families about potential risks, while others felt the warning caused unnecessary fear and confusion.

To address concerns, the district announced it is considering adding chaperones to accompany students during travel. If a student is detained at a checkpoint, the chaperone would stay with them while the rest of the group continues their journey.

What’s Next?

Although Border Patrol officials have dismissed the concerns raised by Alice ISD, the situation has highlighted the growing anxiety surrounding immigration enforcement in Texas. As legal and policy shifts continue, school districts may need to navigate complex immigration concerns to ensure student safety and well-being.

For now, parents and educators are left questioning how immigration policies will impact students in border regions. With legal challenges and political debates ongoing, the conversation about immigration enforcement in schools is far from over.