U.S. Federal Judge Rejects Request to Restrict Arrests in Schools
A federal judge in Colorado ruled that U.S. immigration authorities are not required to reverse the policy allowing arrests in schools, following a legal challenge filed by the Denver school district.
Also, you may be interested in: “ICE Strengthens Arrests and Deportations in the U.S.: Who Is Affected?”
Judicial Decision on the Policy of School Arrests
Judge Daniel Domenico ruled last Friday that Denver Public Schools failed to prove that the decline in student attendance was directly related to the new immigration policy implemented by President Donald Trump’s administration. The lawsuit argued that the change in immigration enforcement guidelines in sensitive areas such as schools and churches created fear among students and families, affecting school attendance and diverting educational resources toward emotional support and immigration counseling.
However, the judge considered that the relationship between the policy and the decrease in attendance was uncertain, noting that the fear of possible immigration raids could be due to a general perception of the new immigration control measures.
Changes in Immigration Policy and Its Impact
Under the previous administration, a 2021 directive restricted immigration operations in places considered sensitive areas. To carry out arrests in these spaces, ICE agents required prior authorization from their superiors, except in cases involving national security.
In January 2025, the new administration removed these restrictions and granted greater discretion to agents to act without prior approval. Despite this, ICE later issued a directive stating that arrests in schools and other sensitive sites must be approved by supervisors.
Reactions and Consequences
Denver Public Schools expressed discontent with the judicial decision, although they acknowledged that the legal process helped uncover key details about the new immigration policy. Data presented in court indicated that between 2018 and 2020, there were only two arrests inside schools and 18 in nearby areas for immigration reasons. As of last week, no arrests had been recorded in schools under the new regulations.
Meanwhile, the Council of the Great City Schools, which represents urban school districts nationwide, emphasized educators’ concerns about the impact of these policies on students and their families.
In a parallel case, a judge in Maryland recently blocked immigration operations in places of worship belonging to Quaker communities and other religious groups that challenged the measure, although the ruling only applies to the plaintiffs.
Conclusion
Judge Domenico’s decision sets a precedent in the implementation of new immigration policies in the U.S., leaving it up to immigration authorities to determine when and how to carry out arrests in schools. Although operations in these spaces remain rare, the uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the policy continues to generate debate and concern in affected communities.
For more information on these topics, visit Paralegal Clases’ social media pages and join our live sessions every Wednesday.
Instagram: @Paralegalclases
Facebook: Instituto Paralegal de las Américas
Youtube: Instituto Paralegal
Tiktok: @Paralegalnews
