As immigration policies evolve nationwide, Detroit Public Schools are reaffirming how they protect undocumented students and families. District leaders cite federal law and new state guidance ensuring every child’s right to a classroom seat, no matter their immigration status.
Education officials are reminding staff that schools can’t request immigration documents and must safeguard personal records. Families and advocacy groups are pushing for clearer communication and training at the district level.
Understanding every child’s right to an education
Under U.S. law, every child, regardless of immigration status, has the right to attend public school. A key federal decision affirmed this, according to the American Immigration Council. In Michigan, the Michigan Department of Education reaffirmed in January 2025 that “all children, regardless of citizenship and immigration status, have the right to equal access to a free public education.” This means a child living in the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) can enroll and attend school even if one or both parents are undocumented.
Enrollment and school services
When enrolling a child, schools cannot require proof of citizenship or ask about immigration status. According to the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, schools must accept reliable proof of identity and age (for example, alternate documents if a birth certificate isn’t available) and cannot deny enrollment on the basis of immigration status. Schools also cannot exclude children from special education, English-learner programs or other services because of immigration status.
Protecting your child’s records and privacy
Parents in Michigan have rights under the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the state’s Protection of Pupil Privacy Act (MCL 380.1136) to control disclosure of student records, according to the Michigan Department of Education. These laws mean that school districts must check carefully before releasing a student’s information; for example, a warrant or valid legal order may be required for an outside agency (including immigration authorities) to access a student’s file. Families can also request that schools not share what’s known as “directory information” (e.g., name, address) publicly, according to Chalkbeat Detroit.
What happens if immigration agents show up at school
Schools are considered “protected areas,” meaning immigration enforcement should generally refrain from actions on school premises absent extenuating circumstances, according to the Michigan Department of Education. If agents come onto school grounds, administrators are advised to ask for valid documentation (e.g., warrants, subpoenas) and to seek legal counsel before surrendering student records or allowing interviews with students, according to the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center.
Discrimination and school safety
Schools in Michigan cannot refuse to enroll a child or deprive them of services based on national origin or immigration status. The Michigan Department of Education notes that the state’s civil-rights laws protect access to public services like education for all children. If a child experiences harassment or discriminatory treatment (for example, because of immigration status or because staff treat them differently), parents have the right to lodge complaints through the appropriate channels.
What you can do as a parent
Keep communication with your child’s school up to date, including your preferred language. Many Detroit-area schools serve bilingual families and should offer translation. Check the school’s forms about “directory information”—you may be able to restrict what’s shared. Familiarize yourself with the school’s policy in the event that immigration or law-enforcement agents come on campus. Reach out to community organizations that support immigrant families; they often provide “know your rights” materials and legal-referral services.
Examples include the Southwest Detroit Immigrant and Refugee Center, which offers free and low-cost legal help for immigrants and refugees; the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, which provides legal advice and education for immigrant families statewide; and the International Institute of Metropolitan Detroit, which supports immigrants through legal assistance, translation, and community programs.
Why this matters now
Some Michigan schools are updating their policies in response to increased concerns about immigration-enforcement presence and are releasing guidance for families and staff, according to Chalkbeat Detroit. Ensuring that children attend regularly and feel safe matters not just for learning but for their emotional and social wellbeing.
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