Families of Immigrant Students: A Message From Interim Superintendent/CEO Dr. Macquline King
CPS remains committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and welcoming learning environment that protects the rights of all students, regardless of where they or their families were born.
Protecting CPS Students, Staff and Families
The U.S. Supreme Court established in the 1982 case Plyer v. Doe that children cannot be denied a free public education based on their immigration status or their family’s immigration status. This protects the right to education for all students.
On January 21, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that it would end a longstanding federal policy that placed restrictions on the conduct of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as it relates to schools. Under the longstanding policy, schools were considered “sensitive locations,” where ICE agents were restricted from carrying out enforcement actions, with some exceptions. While the Department of Homeland Security has not yet released text of the new policy, the announcement states that ICE agents should use "common sense" when carrying out enforcement actions.
Regardless of this policy change, CPS will continue to actively protect students, staff, and their families. In accordance with the Illinois Trust Act and Chicago's Welcoming City Ordinance, CPS:
- DOES NOT ask for our families' immigration status
- WILL NOT coordinate with federal immigration enforcement agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- DOES NOT share student records with ICE or any other federal representatives, except in the rare case where there is a court order or consent from the parent/guardian
- WILL NOT allow ICE agents or any other federal representatives access to CPS facilities unless they produce a criminal judicial warrant signed by a federal judge
CPS has provided detailed guidance to school leaders and the appropriate school-based staff regarding interactions with ICE, and is actively providing training to support this guidance.
While CPS is doing everything we can to ensure school property remains a safe place for all students, we also recognize that families are feeling anxiety about immigration enforcement actions when outside of the home or school. We encourage families to explore the resources on this page, attend an upcoming Know Your Rights training, and explore immigration services in your area if necessary.
Trainings and Workshops
| Date | Event Description |
|---|---|
| Tuesdays at 2 p.m. |
The Resurrection Project will be hosting bi-weekly virtual Know Your Rights workshops. Tuesday sessions will be in English. |
| Thursdays at 6 p.m. |
The Resurrection Project will be hosting bi-weekly virtual Know Your Rights workshops. Thursday sessions will be in Spanish. |
| Tuesday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m. |
The Hana Center will be hosting a virtual Know Your Rights workshop through the CPS Network 1 Parent University. This session will be in Spanish. |
| Wednesday, Oct. 8, 12 p.m. |
The Brighton Park Neighborhood Council will be hosting a virtual Know Your Rights workshop through the CPS Network 8 Back of the Yards Parent University. This session will be in Spanish. |
| Tuesday, Oct. 14, 10 a.m. |
Enlace will be hosting a virtual Know Your Rights workshop through the CPS Network 7 Pilsen/Little Village Parent University. This session will be in Spanish. |
| Tuesday, Oct. 28, 5 p.m. |
Mi Villita Neighbors will be hosting a virtual Know Your Rights workshop through the CPS Network 9 Parent University. This session will be in English and Spanish. |
| Tuesday, Nov. 4, 10 a.m. |
Enlace will be hosting a hybrid Know Your Rights workshop through the CPS Network 7 Pilsen/Little Village Parent University, located at Perez Elementary at 2001 S Throop St. This session will be in Spanish. |
| Thursday, Nov. 13, 10 a.m. |
Communities United will be hosting a virtual Know Your Rights workshop through the Network 1 Parent University at Cleveland Elementary, located at 3121 W Byron St. This session will be in English and Spanish. |
| Tuesday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m. |
Enlace will be hosting a virtual Know Your Rights workshop through the CPS Network 7 Pilsen/Little Village Parent University. This session will be in Spanish. |
District Immigration Updates
01 October 2025
Continuing Our Support of Our Students and Staff/ Continuando nuestro apoyo a nuestros estudiantes y personal
In a letter to families, Interim Superintendent/CEO Dr. Macquline King provides a reminder of important safety information. / En una carta a las familias, la superintendente interina y directora ejecutiva, Dra. Macquline King, brinda un recordatorio de información de seguridad importante.
05 September 2025
End of Week Message: Providing Safety in Uncertain Times/ Ofreciendo seguridad en estos tiempos inciertos
In a letter to staff and families, Interim Superintendent/CEO Dr. Macquline King provides important safety information. / En una carta a las familias, la superintendente interina y directora ejecutiva, Dra. Macquline King, proporciona información de seguridad importante.
28 August 2025
Responding to Potential National Guard Troop Deployment to Chicago / Respondiendo al posible despliegue de tropas de la Guardia Nacional en Chicago
In a letter to families and staff, Interim Superintendent/CEO Dr. Macquline King shares safety guidance and resources. / En una carta a las familias y al personal, la superintendente interina y directora ejecutiva, Dra. Macquline King, comparte orientación y recursos de seguridad.
15 August 2025
Welcoming Students Back to Safe and Supportive Schools/ Esperando el regreso a los estudiantes a escuelas seguras y acogedoras
In a letter to families, CPS leaders provide important information about creating safe learning environments for all students. / En una carta a las familias, los líderes de CPS brindan información importante sobre cómo crear entornos de aprendizaje seguros para todos los estudiantes.