A bill in the Nevada Legislature, Assembly Bill 217, seeks to make it illegal for school employees to permit federal immigration officials onto school premises or to disclose a student’s information to immigration authorities without a proper warrant. The bill, sponsored by Assemblymember Cecilia González, aims to formalize existing policies in Washoe and Clark County school districts. It introduces criminal penalties for staffers who willfully and knowingly violate the proposed law, classifying such violations as misdemeanors, which could result in up to six months in county jail, a fine up to $1,000, or both.
The legislation emerged in response to concerns from constituents about safety following the rollback of a 2011 policy by President Donald Trump, which had prohibited Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol officers from arresting suspected undocumented immigrants in sensitive areas such as schools. González highlighted the bill as a response to the fears of students, staff, and families, particularly those in mixed-status families.
Supporters of the bill, including groups like Make the Road Nevada, argue that it could reduce chronic absenteeism by alleviating fears of ICE raids, thereby improving students’ ability to focus and learn. Progressive and immigrant-rights organizations back the bill, viewing it as a means to provide security for families concerned about immigration enforcement in schools.
However, there is opposition from the Nevada Association of School Boards and the Nevada Association of School Superintendents, which are wary of the misdemeanor penalties for staff violations. Some, like Nevada Republican National Committeeman Jim DeGraffenried, believe the bill is redundant, as it covers existing laws and procedures. An amendment is being considered to remove a section of the bill that prevents school officials from using chemical agents and stun guns against students, to focus more specifically on immigration-related policies.