The Spokane, Washington school district has unanimously voted to prohibit Border Patrol agents from entering its schools, citing potential emotional distress for immigrant students. The move comes after advocacy group Latinos En Spokane sought to protect immigrant children who could be ‘traumatized’ by the presence of Border Patrol agents in the school environment.
Changes to the existing policy also prohibit school staff members from collaborating with immigration enforcement agencies or releasing information that could compromise a student’s security. School board member Nikki Otero Lockwood also confirmed that immigration agents will no longer be permitted to serve as guest speakers in classrooms. The policy revisions apply to all public schools within the district.
Chief Patrol Agent Lloyd Easterling of the Spokane Sector for the US Customs and Border Protection labeled the policy changes “unfortunate,” arguing that Border Patrol personnel are present solely for educational purposes and not to enforce immigration laws.
“Agents and officers from CBP attend countless events at schools throughout the nation – without controversy. CBP personnel work tirelessly day in and day out to protect our nation from a variety of threats to include terrorists and dangerous narcotics. CBP routinely honors requests from local law enforcement agencies to assist in life-threatening situations, including active shooter incidents at schools,” Easterling wrote in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).
The school district’s move comes amidst increasing demands for cooperation between local authorities and immigration law enforcement as the country grapples with a significant increase in migrant crime.
