Charlotte Immigrants Grapple with Fear; CMS Discusses Student Protections

Educators and Families Seek Clarity Amid Trump’s ICE Policy Shift

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) is stepping up discussions to protect undocumented students following President Donald Trump’s latest immigration enforcement policies. The administration’s rollback of “sensitive spaces” protections—which once safeguarded schools, churches, and hospitals from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids—has sparked fear across immigrant communities.

Board member Liz Monterrey Duvall is at the forefront, advocating for immediate action. “Our schools must remain places of safety and learning for all students, regardless of immigration status,” Duvall stated. On Friday, CMS’s intergovernmental relations committee will convene to explore legislative measures to bolster student protections.

With over 24,000 students in CMS identifying a birthplace outside the United States, fear has become a recurring theme in classrooms. Educators, including Rae LeGrone of Olympic High School, are urging district leaders to establish clear protocols for staff to navigate potential ICE interactions.

“I’ve seen firsthand how fear impacts our students’ ability to learn and thrive,” LeGrone said, calling for a public campaign to educate families about their rights and available resources.

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