The American Federation of Teachers has penned a letter to the Department of Homeland Security urging an end to immigration raids targeting Central American students.
“The increased policing and enforcement raids have had a chilling effect on our schools and immigrant communities,” reads the letter from the group, “jeopardizing the safety and well-being of children and threatening the security and safety of entire communities.”
News of the Obama Administration’s decision to launch yet another wave of raids targeting Central American women and children has left immigrants in fear, with widely-publicized reports of several Central American teens arrested by immigration officials while on their way to school leaving communities reeling.
“Targeting our students on their commute to and from school, or while they wait at their bus stop, is callous, damaging, and counterproductive to our work as educators,” continues the letter, which represents more than 1.5 million members.
“By law, public schools should be safe havens that embrace all students and families, regardless of citizenship.”
“We implore you to work together as well as with other federal agencies in order to put the safety and well-being of children first.”
