Central Bucks School District Responds To ICE Arrest In Plumstead

DOYLESTOWN, PA ? In response to the apprehension of an individual by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at a Plumstead Township Park, the Central Bucks School District on Friday sent out a letter to the community offering reassurances that its schools would remain "safe, secure, and welcoming for all students and families."

ICE agents last Saturday took an individual into custody on a federal Final Order of Removal warrant at Joseph E. Hanusey III Park. A final order of removal, issued by an immigration judge, means an individual is legally obligated to leave the United States. ICE is responsible for enforcing the orders and may detain individuals pending their removal.

"We understand that this incident may cause concern for members of our community. We want to share information about our follow-up to the matter, and reiterate our commitment to keeping our schools safe, secure, and welcoming for all students and families," wrote substitute superintendent
Dr. Charles Malone.

In response to the incident, Malone said he contacted ICE?s Philadelphia office for clarification on their stance regarding enforcement actions in "sensitive locations," such as schools and houses of worship.

"A representative replied that 'ICE does not conduct enforcement actions at sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, or place[s] of worship, except in exigent circumstances or with prior approval from senior leadership,'" said Malone. "They added that 'current enforcement priorities focus on individuals who pose a threat to public safety or national security' and that 'ICE arrests are targeted and based primarily on criminal warrants or final orders of removal.' Lastly, they stated, 'Schools remain safe spaces for education, not immigration enforcement.'"

In January, Malone said the district released protocols to reassure families and guide staff in the event of ICE attempting to gain access to a Central Bucks school or building. The procedures, he said, were developed with legal counsel and in collaboration with local law enforcement.

Generally, they state:

• Should ICE enter a school campus, our first call will always be to our local police department.
• ICE officials are not permitted in non-public areas or classrooms unless they present a valid judicial warrant signed by a federal or state judge.
• Designated district personnel, not teachers or school staff, are responsible for interacting with law enforcement.
• We will always prioritize the protection and well-being of students and staff, while also respecting applicable laws.

"This guidance applies to all schools and district facilities during the school day and for after-school activities," said Malone. "We will continue to remain vigilant in our efforts to provide a stable, inclusive, and safe environment for every member of our school community."