Montgomery County PTA Training on ICE Response
Recently, officials from the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) in one of the wealthiest school districts in the US conducted a virtual training session aimed at guiding families on how to handle situations involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
This session took place on January 20th, led by City Councilwoman Christine Mink, and was entitled “ICE Response and Organizing Tools for PTAs, Parents, and Guardians.” Reports from National Review indicate that Mink has previously held similar discussions about how schools can prepare to “slow down ICE and protect one another.” The training focused on strategies for parents to assist students with undocumented parents, encourage volunteers to observe ICE activities during drop-off and pick-up times, and provide support for families impacted by ICE operations.
During the training, Mink presented detailed “rapid response” guidelines she published just days before. One of her slides emphasized how “white allies” can aid communities, suggesting that they refrain from using whistles against what she termed “ICE violence,” a tactic that has become common in community resistance efforts. She argued that white allies should be cautious with tools that could reinforce authority linked to whiteness.
Mink stated, “For white allies, the whistle might symbolize an unconscious need for authority, protection, or control during crises.” She also pointed out that, “rapid response doesn’t equate to assuming authority.” Questioning those affected, she warned, could lead to prioritizing one’s own comfort over the experiences of those impacted.
She further noted that what some may perceive as empowering could actually induce stress for others, observing that “Black and brown communities already face higher levels of chronic noise pollution resulting from issues like racist zoning and disinvestment.” Her presentation made a point to discuss how aspects like gender, sexuality, and education relate to power dynamics and marginalization.
In the larger context, Mink’s session happened amid a growing anti-ICE movement, where disagreements have emerged between immigrant organizations and predominantly white activists over the appropriateness of using whistles in such incidents. Critics, including immigrant-led groups such as the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network, argue this tactic escalates panic and could be viewed as a “white savior” approach.
Some controversy arose from the January 20th meeting, with opponents arguing that the PTA should concentrate on educational success rather than engaging in political matters. “PTAs ought to focus on their primary mission: students, rather than introducing divisive political chatter into their communities,” noted investigative reporter Kendall Teets.
The event was widely supported, advertised by the Montgomery County PTA Council and backed by various local organizations, including education associations, labor unions, and groups advocating for immigrant rights. Numerous local PTAs promoted the training session on their social media platforms, including schools like Gaithersburg Middle School and Laytonsville Elementary School.
