Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14159 on January 20, 2025 titled “Protecting The American People Against Invasion.” This order significantly expands the role of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
A student who requested anonymity due to fear of being targeted by ICE said that life has been hard since this order was signed.
“Things are bad for us because we are worried and afraid all the time. You don’t know who they [ICE] are and how they could surprise you,” they said. “To be afraid and worried at the same time, to feel like everyone is looking at you, to feel like they could grab you at any moment, not [being able] to concentrate in classes – yes, it is very scary.”
Trump’s Executive Order cuts funding for immigration aid, requires ICE to arrest individuals who are merely suspected of criminal activity, and creates more detention centers. This order also allows ICE to arrest immigrants in sensitive areas including churches, hospitals, and schools, removing Obama’s 2011 “Sensitive Areas” policy.
BHS Dean of Students Molly Doran said that when the order was first released, administration monitored the doors diligently.
“When it first started we thought they [ICE officers] were gonna come in here hot and we were going to have to push them out the door,” Doran said. “I think it’s settled, but there are rumours like ‘Oh they’re at the bank’ or ‘They’re in town.’ So we’re always on high alert and we are aware of where they are and if they may come.”
As of today, BHS policy prohibits third-party access to the school without authorization from the superintendent or a judge. A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or ICE Administrative Warrant is not permitted, as it is not signed by a judge. In addition, Doran says it’s impossible for the school to tell officers which students are undocumented because the school doesn’t have access to that information.
“That protects us [faculty] and the students,” Doran said.
Security Guard Scott Wells says that BHS has a plan should an ICE officer visit the school.
“I would report to [Principal] Sabrina [Westdijk] without letting the officer inside,” Wells said.
While there have been no instances of ICE arresting anyone in a school setting, according to the Vermont Asylum Assistance project, ICE has detained and sent orders for removal of several people in Burlington and South Burlington. These people have been stopped and arrested on the roadside, outside of their homes, in parking lots, or while traveling to Canada in an attempt to seek asylum.
An employee who works in student support for the district said that people are looking into immigration lawyers. They asked not to be identified for fear of retaliation.
“Some people have legally designated American guardians for their children in case they are detained so that their children will be with trusted friends,” the employee said.
In response to increased concerns from the BHS community, Superintendent Tom Flanagan sent an email to everyone in the district.
”I want you to know I share those concerns,” Flanagan wrote. “I am writing today to assure you that our State, City, and District policies and procedures continue to direct us to protect our community, especially those who have been most historically marginalized by white supremacy culture.”
Flanagan also detailed a multi-step plan to ensure the safety of vulnerable populations in BSD. This plan includes peer mediators, consultations with outside organizations to enhance language and policy around sensitive issues, as well as monitoring attendance of multilingual students so they can spot disparities and communicate when concerned.
Principal Sabrina Westdijk says that she is glad that BSD and other districts are taking action to preserve school as a safe space.
“Our top priority is to provide a high quality education to young people,” Westdijk said. “That is our duty and obligation to all children who attend our schools, regardless of their immigration or citizenship status.”
Still, Doran says the future feels uncertain.
“It seems like [it’s] out of everybody’s hands and there’s not much we can say to help them feel better or feel safe, which feels really bad because obviously we want school to be safe,” Doran said. “We want it to be a place where they feel comfortable and the fact that this is a threat that could happen at any time is really scary.”
