Denver – On Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the rescission of the 2021 immigration enforcement guidelines, which previously restricted enforcement actions near sensitive locations, including schools. A DHS press release confirmed that the Acting DHS Secretary signed a directive on Monday, Jan. 20, revoking the Biden Administration’s policies regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations that were originally implemented in May of 1993. This decision has created uncertainty for Denver Public Schools (DPS) and school districts across the nation.

Today, Wednesday, Feb. 12, DPS filed a Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) to immediately stop DHS from revoking sensitive location status for schools. The emergency filing comes after several ICE arrests took place in neighborhoods surrounding some DPS schools earlier this morning, negatively impacting families and students.

Denver Public Schools is committed to its shared core value of Students First, which serves as a guiding principle for all actions and decisions. District students belong in their schools and deserve to feel safe, regardless of their immigration status or the status of their families. 

While DPS may be the first public school district to file this motion, the hope is that other districts across the country will exercise their power and take action toward protecting their school communities. The filing of the TRO further signifies that DPS remains committed to providing the highest-quality education and ensuring that schools are safe, welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environments for all students.

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