FAQ: Immigration Enforcement and School Safety
Recent national events, along with immigration enforcement activity in the Chicago area last fall, have raised understandable questions for some families. We want to take this opportunity to clarify the safety protocols already in place and to provide reassurance about how our schools respond to concerns.
There is nothing District 97 takes more seriously than ensuring our schools are safe, stable, and welcoming places where students can focus on learning.
Yes. District 97 maintains a comprehensive emergency response plan and school safety protocols. These plans are regularly reviewed, updated, and practiced by administrators and staff.
Our safety planning is coordinated at the district level under the leadership of our chief safety officer and the district safety team to ensure consistency across schools and to prioritize student and staff safety while minimizing fear and disruption.
District 97 uses the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) to respond to a wide range of situations.
SRP allows school leaders to quickly bring students and staff inside buildings and into classrooms if there is a potentially concerning situation on or near school property. This can be initiated at any time.
SRP alerts are delivered immediately through our Raptor system, so staff receive notifications on their devices and can respond quickly and consistently. A district-level safety team is also available to support schools immediately, including on-site if needed.
These protocols have been used successfully in numerous situations to keep students and staff safely away from nearby activity.
District 97 has established procedures (District 97 Safety Communication Protocols) for escalating and verifying information before it is shared. When there is credible information that impacts school operations or student safety, communication is coordinated at the district level to ensure it is accurate, timely, and consistent across schools.
In situations that require immediate action within a school, staff are notified through our Raptor system, which allows administrators to quickly communicate emergency directives so staff can respond right away.
We are intentional about avoiding the spread of unverified information, which can increase fear and confusion. Families are always encouraged to contact their school or district office directly if they believe there is a concern in the community.
District 97 follows established visitor procedures that apply to all individuals entering school buildings.
- School doors remain secured, and visitors must enter through the main entrance.
- All visitors are directed to the front office and may not move through the building independently.
- If a staff member observes unfamiliar or suspicious individuals, the front office is notified immediately so administrators can respond appropriately.
- Staff do not engage directly with visitors and allow trained school and district administrators to manage the situation.
These procedures are part of our standard safety practices and are designed to protect students, staff, and the school community while following state law and the Board of Education’s Visitor Policy.
If there is an immediate threat to student or staff safety, local law enforcement is contacted.
Please note:
- The district does not collect or inquire about student immigration status.
- Immigration enforcement personnel must present a criminal warrant signed by a judge to enter school buildings.
- Student records are not shared unless required by a valid court order.
Yes. Administrators and staff receive regular training and reinforcement on district safety protocols, including the use of the Standard Response Protocol (SRP).
Our training is designed to prepare staff to respond to a wide range of potential concerns—not just one specific type of situation. Schools must be ready at any time to respond quickly and calmly to protect students and staff, regardless of the source of the concern.
Safety planning is an ongoing part of our work and is reinforced throughout the year.
District 97 provides regular training on its established safety protocols, including the Standard Response Protocol (SRP). These protocols are designed to prepare staff to respond to a wide range of potential concerns—not just one specific type of situation.
Rather than creating separate training for individual scenarios, we focus on reinforcing consistent, district-wide safety procedures that can be implemented quickly and calmly whenever needed.
We understand that safety concerns can impact families differently. A resource page is available on our website: https://www.op97.org/parents/student-immigration-status.
The Village of Oak Park also offers a robust listing of immigration resources, including legal organizations, immigration support services, and advocacy groups: https://www.oak-park.us/Community/Oak-Park-Cares/Welcoming-Village/Immigration-Resources
School and district teams work directly with families who need additional support. Support is individualized and handled confidentially.
We encourage families with specific concerns to reach out to their school principal or district staff so we can provide accurate information and connect them to appropriate resources.
If families have specific concerns about student arrival or dismissal, we encourage them to reach out directly to their school. School and district teams can work with families to discuss options and provide support consistent with district policies.
District 97 is committed to maintaining safe, stable, in-person learning environments supported by established safety protocols. Illinois law does not authorize school districts to implement e-learning solely due to attendance concerns or activity occurring in the broader community. At this time, our focus remains on in-person instruction.
That said, we understand that families may experience unique circumstances or concerns. We encourage families to reach out directly to their school if they have questions about attendance. School teams can work with families regarding absences and make-up work in accordance with district policies.
Our goal is to support students while maintaining consistency, stability, and compliance with state law.
We are committed to clear and calm communication grounded in accurate information. At the same time, certain operational details of safety plans are not shared publicly in order to protect students and staff and to avoid creating unnecessary risk or fear.
Our goal is always to communicate responsibly while prioritizing the safety and well-being of our school community.