As schools across North Texas prepare to open their doors for a new academic year, there’s an important message being shared by school leaders: all children are welcome, no matter their citizenship status. It’s a right protected by national law—and educators are standing firm on it.
Every Child Has the Right to an Education
In the United States, every child has the legal right to attend public school, regardless of their immigration status. This law ensures that undocumented students can go to school just like any other child, without fear or discrimination.
But with ongoing immigration enforcement in the country, especially during and after the Trump administration’s stricter immigration policies, many families feel anxious. However, school officials across North Texas want to make one thing clear: schools are safe spaces for students and families.
Schools Are Safe Zones
Stephanie Elizalde, Superintendent of Dallas Public Schools, emphasized that immigration officials, including ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), are not allowed to enter school grounds or walk through hallways.
“We will follow the federal law completely. That law clearly says federal immigration agents are not allowed on school property,” Elizalde stated. “We haven’t received any such requests, and our policy hasn’t changed.”
She also pointed out that no student is required to prove citizenship when enrolling in public school. “We are the statue of liberty. We take them all. We love them all. We teach them all,” she said passionately.
Community Support and Reassurance
Recognizing the fear some families may feel, Dallas ISD continues to hold community meetings and provide updates to reassure parents that their children are safe and protected.
Other school districts across North Texas—such as Garland, Richardson, Mesquite, Irving, and Fort Worth—also have large numbers of students learning English as a second language.
Many of these children come from immigrant families, and their schools have made it clear: immigration status does not matter when it comes to education.
Under the U.S. Constitution, questions about a student’s legal status are private and protected. Schools are not allowed to ask or share such information.
The Focus Remains on Education
Superintendent Elizalde stressed that the role of educators is not to check legal documents, but to teach and support every student.
“Our job is to ensure every student, regardless of where they reside in our district, gets an excellent public education, and that’s what we do every day,” she said.
She also had a message for all parents and guardians: “Bring the kids on in, and let’s have a great school year.”
While immigration issues continue to create uncertainty in many communities, schools in North Texas are staying focused on their mission—to educate, protect, and uplift every student, no matter their background. The message from school leaders is clear and strong: classrooms are places of learning and belonging, not fear.
