Homeland Security officials are pushing back against fears of immigration arrests at schools, saying enforcement actions would only occur in rare situations involving serious public safety threats.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security says Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are not going into schools to arrest children, responding to public concern following a report that Houston ISD has lost nearly 4,000 immigrant students.
In a statement posted to social media, DHS said enforcement actions at schools would only occur if a dangerous criminal flees onto campus or if a serious offender is discovered working at a school.
Officials said those situations would be handled to protect public safety, not to target students.
The statement comes after an investigation reported that some immigrant families are keeping children home out of fear of possible ICE encounters. DHS said schools will not be used as places for criminals to avoid arrest and emphasized that law enforcement officers are expected to use discretion.
ICE is NOT going to schools to arrest children.
A dangerous illegal alien felon fleeing into a school, or a child sex offender working as an employee, may create a situation where an arrest is made to protect public safety. Criminals are no longer able to hide in America’s… pic.twitter.com/Y9aNCa6ZQE
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) February 10, 2026
The agency said the policy reflects guidance from President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, adding that officers must be allowed to act when children or the public are at risk.
Houston ISD has not reported any ICE arrests at school campuses.
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