Richmond school community urges support for immigrant families amid ICE concerns

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Richmond parents, teachers and community members are raising concerns about ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity and its impact on families within the Richmond Public Schools (RPS) district.

During a school board budget hearing on Tuesday Feb. 3, several speakers urged district leaders to do more to support immigrant families and ensure staff are prepared to respond if U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents appear around school campuses.

Teachers described feelings of panic and said they lack clear training and guidance on how to handle such situations.

Parent Marlene Garlan shared her family’s experience, saying immigrant families often feel unsafe seeking help or even walking in their neighborhoods.

“In October, my husband was detained by ICE for two months, and this left a giant hole in our economic situation and a traumatic experience for my kids,” Garlan said.

Garlan said she did not feel adequately supported by the school district during that time.

Educators echoed those concerns, calling for consistent districtwide protocols.

“We need to be prepared. We need to be a unified division. To do that, we need all staff at every school to know the safety and communication protocols in place, just like we do for any other emergency,” RPS teacher Emily Archer said.

Last month, Superintendent Jason Kamras and other school officials held a virtual town hall to discuss procedures if ICE agents arrive at a school. However, speakers at the meeting said more preparation and transparency are still needed.

Community members also raised concerns about the possible closure of the Richmond Virtual Academy, which launched during the 2020–21 school year to support families seeking virtual learning.

“Richmond Virtual Academy is essential, especially as this country faces a crisis with the ongoing escalation in ICE violence, and more school districts, like Minneapolis, are offering virtual learning options,” said RPS teacher Lisa Delao.

Another educator described the academy as a lifeline rather than a convenience, warning that closing it would reduce choice, equity and access for vulnerable families.

A school board member suggested using an upcoming professional development day on Feb. 17 for additional ICE-related training and community-building efforts. The next Richmond School Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3.