CBSD reiterates its ICE-related procedures, including warrant requirement

Following Wednesday’s announcement from the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Central Bucks School District officials issued a reminder to families and staff outlining district procedures should ICE officials ever visit a CBSD school or district building.

In an email to families, Interim Superintendent Dr. Charles Malone noted that these procedures were originally shared in January 2025 and reiterated in a follow-up communication in July 2025.

Federal law, along with a U.S. Supreme Court decision, makes clear that students cannot be denied access to a free public education based on immigration status. The district emphasized that CBSD does not collect or maintain information regarding the immigration status of students or their family members.

In January 2025, the district established clear guidance for school administrators outlining how to respond to any on-campus interaction with ICE officials. District officials said the procedures are intended to provide clarity, consistency, and reassurance for staff and families. 

While CBSD was advised by the ICE Philadelphia office in July that enforcement actions are not conducted at “sensitive locations” such as schools, officials said maintaining well-defined and commonly understood protocols remains an important responsibility in order to be prepared for situations that could impact student and staff safety.

Under district procedures:

• A valid judicial warrant is required. ICE officials must present a valid judicial warrant to access any area beyond a school’s main office or reception area. Immigration warrants or administrative orders alone do not permit access to private areas, students, or staff. District leadership will not consent to access based solely on this type of documentation.
  
  
• Designated points of contact are required. Only identified administrators, members of the district’s administrative leadership team, or security staff will interact with ICE officials. Teachers and other staff members will not be asked to engage in those interactions.
  
  
• Local law enforcement will be notified immediately. Local law enforcement will be contacted, and the district’s solicitor will be notified right away if ICE officials visit any school or district building.
  
  
• Student safety remains the priority. All procedures are designed to prioritize student safety, privacy, and well-being, while ensuring compliance with federal law.

District officials acknowledged that immigration-related topics can be deeply personal and stressful for members of the community. Families were encouraged to contact their child’s school if a student is experiencing fear, stress, or anxiety related to immigration-related news, so appropriate support can be provided.

“As always, the safety and well-being of our students, teachers, staff, and visitors remain our top priority,” Malone stated. “Thank you for your continued trust and partnership.”