Dear Lawrence Public Schools community,
I am writing regarding reports of increased federal immigration enforcement activity throughout Massachusetts and locally.
This includes an incident yesterday afternoon in which a family member of one of our students was briefly detained, off of school grounds but near our building. The individual was released within minutes and returned home safely.
All of us at Lawrence Public Schools recognize the serious impacts these actions and the climate they create can have on our families, community, and students’ education. As a lifelong educator and proud Lawrencian, I share everyone’s deep concerns.
It is important to emphasize that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has not attempted to enter any of our schools, or made any requests to access buildings or records. But our schools have strong, clear direction should that ever happen. As I did last school year, I want to share our policy here, as well as highlight key points and provide legal resources for families (attached below).
The LPS ICE Requests policy reflects the Massachusetts Attorney General’s most recently updated guidance for K-12 schools. You can find it here (Policy Statement in English) and here (Policy Statement in Spanish), and on the Policies page of the LPS website. You should know:
- LPS does not ever ask for or keep any record of students’ immigration status, and immigration status has no impact on a child’s constitutional right to equal access to education.
- LPS does not coordinate with ICE, and will not allow officials to remove a student or family member from school premises based solely on immigration status.
- LPS will not permit a student to be questioned or removed from their classroom without specific, informed written consent of a parent or guardian, or a valid, judicial warrant signed by a federal or state judge.
- Our school teams – including Safety staff – know all of the above, and no action will be taken without the knowledge of the Superintendent’s Office.
- It is always important that LPS be able to reach parents or guardians. You can contact your child’s school directly to ensure your preferred contact information is correct and make any changes.
There are many outside forces we can’t control. But our commitment to providing equal access to education for every Lawrence child remains unshakeable.
Thanks to all our staff and families, we have been blessed with a great start to another important year for LPS. Moving forward together, with your continued support of each other and our schools, I know we will see that continue.
Respectfully,
Ralph Carrero
Superintendent
Lawrence Public Schools
Resources Regarding Immigration Status and Rights
Massachusetts Attorney General “Know Your Rights” Guide: Provides Communities with Information About Their Rights and the Legal Framework for ICE Stops, Arrests, and Inquiries
- English: https://www.mass.gov/doc/ago-ice-guidance-05292025/download
- Spanish: https://www.mass.gov/doc/05292025-ago-ice-guidance-spanish/download
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: If you need legal advice on immigration matters, avoid scams by ensuring that the person helping you is authorized to give legal advice. Only an attorney or an accredited representative working for a Board of Immigration Appeals-recognized organization can give you legal advice. Get more information from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services at the websites below:
- English: https://www.uscis.gov/avoid-scams
- Spanish: https://www.uscis.gov/es/eviteestafas
Greater Lawrence Community Action Council Immigration Services Program: The Immigration Services Program provides assistance and advocacy for people seeking permanent resident status and U.S. citizenship. Their free services are provided by bilingual staff (Spanish and English).
- 305 Essex St., Lawrence, MA 01840
Phone: (979) 681-4905
https://www.glcac.org/immigration/
Northeast Legal Aid (NLA): NLA lawyers and paralegals handle a wide range of civil legal problems, including immigration matters. Most of their services are limited to those who meet certain financial eligibility requirements. They recommend that if you need civil legal services and cannot afford an attorney, you contact them directly to determine if they can offer the service you need.
- 50 Island St., Suite 203A, Lawrence, MA 01840
Phone: 978-458-1465
https://www.northeastlegalaid.org/
MA Attorney General's Civil Rights Violation Hotline: Residents can call 1-800-994-3228 if they've witnessed or experienced bias-motivated threats, harassment or violence against immigrants; racial, ethnic and religious minorities; women; or LGBTQ individuals. The Hotline is available in English and Spanish.
Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition: Information, resources and training regarding legal rights, whether you are a U.S. citizen, green card holder, student on a visa, or undocumented, you have legal rights.
Massachusetts Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: The Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) is a service of the Massachusetts Bar Association. Translation services are also available.
- 20 West Street
Boston, MA 02111-1204
Phone: (617) 654-0400 or (866) 627-7577
Hours: Monday-Friday from 9am-4:45pm
https://www.masslawhelp.com/
DESE Guide for Families and Students – Upholding the Rights of Immigrant Students to Enroll in School:
- English: https://www.doe.mass.edu/commissioner/spec-advisories/families-students-guide.pdf
- Spanish: https://www.doe.mass.edu/commissioner/spec-advisories/families-students-guide-spanish.pdf
Emergency Planning Guide for Parents with Uncertain Immigration Status:
