A school district in Spokane, Washington, unanimously passed a resolution banning U.S. Border Patrol agents from entering the school, citing the potential trauma for immigrant students.
The move to ban U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents from classrooms comes as members of Latinos En Spokane, an advocacy group supporting the Latino community, say it can be traumatic for immigrants to see Border Patrol agents in school. It started in response to the statement that there was.
“They can be targeted as immigrants. If they have an accent or are asked questions about their parents, it can be a stressful situation,” said Jenny, executive director of Spokane’s Latino Organization. Farr Mesa told the Spokane Review. .
“These fears and stressors, including family separation and concern for another family member, can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder in students and families who experience such experiences.”
Migrants continue to cross despite border reinforcements
The Spokane School Board unanimously revised its policy to prohibit Border Patrol agents from entering schools. (Getty Images)
The revision was to clarify existing policy, Spokane Public Schools officials confirmed to local media.
“This is to make clear and make it clear that Border Patrol should not be stationed in schools,” said school board member Nikki Otero-Lockwood.
The board on Wednesday considered a 780-signature petition supporting the agency’s ban on all public schools with the amendment.
The board also approved new additions, including that staff “not cooperate with immigration authorities or share information that could jeopardize the safety of students.”
Lockwood said the policy also prohibits immigration officials from serving as guest speakers in classrooms.
Opinions in the United States have sharply divided in recent years over what ideologies should and should not be included in educational settings. (Photographer: Adam Glanzman/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
U.S. Border Patrol Spokane District Patrol Chief Lloyd Easterling said in a statement after the decision that the decision to ban agents was “disappointing.”
“It’s unfortunate that the Spokane Public Schools Board has taken this stance toward Customs and Border Protection,” Easterling wrote in an X post. “When staff and staff attend school events, they are there solely for educational purposes at the school’s invitation and not to carry out immigration activities.”
Illegal immigrant accused of killing Washington police officer had previously been accused of domestic violence
Easterling maintained that the presence of CBP officers created a safer school environment.
“CBP officers and employees are indisputably present at countless events in schools across the country.CBP officers work tirelessly every day to protect our nation from a variety of threats, including terrorists and dangerous drugs. “CBP routinely honors the requirements of local law.”Enforcement agencies assist in life-threatening situations, such as school shootings. ”
Washington DC, USA – September 14, 2018: Sign above the entrance to the US Customs and Border Protection building on 14th Street (St. Petersburg)
The patrol officer said Spokane Public Schools’ decision to bar CBP officers is “disheartening and makes the community less safe.”
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“Our officers and agents are active members of the community, and some have children who attend local schools,” Easterling said. “The fact that the school board is taking an intolerant stance toward law enforcement is discouraging and makes our community less safe.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Spokane School District did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s requests for comment.
