Royal Oak Schools adopts new procedures limiting access for federal immigration agents

Policy outlines lockdown and parent alert procedures if agents appear during school hours

ROYAL OAK, Mich - Royal Oak Schools has outlined new procedures governing how federal immigration enforcement agents would be handled if they appear on school property.

In a message sent to families, the district said Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection agents will be kept outside school buildings while their identity and purpose are verified. Agents would then be directed to the district’s Board Office to meet with the superintendent, legal counsel and local law enforcement.

The district said the procedures apply to all federal agents and are intended to ensure student safety. According to the letter, school administrators will not allow agents inside buildings without proper verification and approval.

If federal agents do not follow district procedures, Royal Oak Schools said buildings could be placed into lockdown, consistent with how the district responds to any visitor who refuses to comply with school rules.

The district also stated that if ICE or CBP agents were to appear during student drop off or pickup times, schools would initiate a lockdown and send an emergency alert to families notifying them of the situation.

Royal Oak Schools said staff members are trained on emergency procedures and “Know Your Rights” guidance. The district emphasized that schools are committed to protecting students and maintaining a safe learning environment.

The letter did not cite a specific incident prompting the policy and did not indicate whether the procedures represent a change from past practices.