Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Superintendent Thomas Taylor reassured families Friday that schools will remain a safe space for children regardless of immigration status, following President-elect Donald Trump’s promise to conduct mass deportations of undocumented immigrants.
“I want to acknowledge that this is not just a policy debate; for many, it is deeply personal, creating uncertainty and fear about the future,” Taylor said in a message emailed to the MCPS community Friday. “To all of our families, please know this: You are part of the MCPS family.”
Taylor said he was writing to share his concern regarding increased fear in the county resulting from Trump’s discussion of deportation efforts. Taylor also included resources such as links to the Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center and a community guide for immigrant residents of Montgomery County.
Trump has said he intends to declare a national emergency and use the military to deport undocumented immigrants after he takes office Jan. 20, according to ABC News.
In a conversation with MoCo360 this week, Diego Uriburu, executive director of Identity Inc. in Gaithersburg, a direct-service organization serving Latino and other historically underserved youth and families, expressed concern that the incoming administration’s rhetoric would create fear among local immigrant families.
Uriburu noted that during Trump’s first term, from 2016 to 2020, some families didn’t send their children to school after the Trump administration’s “aggressiveness” stoked fears among immigrants that they would be targeted for violence.
In his Friday message, Taylor said making schools safe and welcoming for every student and family “is some of the most important work we do because it helps create great learning experiences.”
Taylor’s message included several reminders to reassure families, including that federal guidance recognized schools as sensitive areas, so enforcement actions by immigration authorities generally are not permitted in schools or on school grounds.
The message also noted that MCPS does not ask about immigration status or report family information to immigration authorities and that county police do not enforce federal immigration laws.
Access to education is a fundamental right guaranteed to all children regardless of immigration status, the message said, highlighting that the U.S. Constitution and the 1982 Supreme Court ruling in Plyler v. Doe ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive in public school.
Taylor also noted that MCPS doesn’t tolerate bullying for any reason, including for immigration status, and students should notify a trusted adult if they experience bullying.
Taylor encouraged families to stay connected with their schools and to reach out to school staff if they have concerns or need support.
“We encourage all students to come to school, join activities, and spend time with friends without fear,” Taylor said. “You are an important part of our community, and we are here to help you learn, grow, and succeed.”
Local, state leaders show support for Mongomery County immigrant community
MCPS isn’t alone in showing support for immigrants in the county pending Trump’s second term.
The Montgomery County Council intends to strengthen protections for undocumented immigrants for victims of violent crime through a bill introduced Tuesday, something that legislation sponsors said is especially important since Trump’s reelection.
During a media briefing Wednesday, County Executive Marc Elric (D) implied that he wouldn’t comply with requests for localities to participate in nationwide mass deportations of undocumented immigrants.
Local and state leaders also vowed to protect the county from Trump’s initiatives at a legislative breakfast Friday morning in North Bethesda, with U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) of Kensington saying the county wouldn’t “participate in or be complicit in breaking up families.”
