Federal immigration authorities have identified approximately 100 children across Maui, Oʻahu, and Hawaiʻi Island for welfare checks, as reported by an immigrant advocate during a recent webinar aimed at educators. The “Know Your Rights for Educators: Immigration Enforcement” session was organized by U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda (D, Hawaiʻi), the ACLU Hawaiʻi, the Hawaiʻi Coalition for Immigrant Rights, and the Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association (HSTA).
During the webinar, HSTA President Osa Tui expressed concern over recent events involving immigration enforcement on Maui and the Big Island. He referenced a mistaken raid in Kahului where federal agents detained more than ten teachers.
U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda shared her experiences from conversations with residents in Maui and Kona about children’s fears related to immigration enforcement. She emphasized the importance of knowledge and courage among educators to support their communities.
Liza Ryan Gill, Executive Director of the Hawaiʻi Coalition for Immigrant Rights, stated that Homeland Security is searching for unaccompanied minors primarily on Hawaiʻi Island and Maui under the guise of welfare checks. She noted that while there have been no confirmed ICE activities on school campuses during school hours, there are reports of ICE presence near schools.
Nathan Lee from ACLU Hawaiʻi advised educators not to comply with ICE without a judicial warrant when they appear at schools. He clarified that federal agents need a judicial warrant to access private areas such as classrooms.
The HSTA is advocating for measures to protect school employees from retaliation if they refuse participation in immigration enforcement activities. They also seek training for administrators on these issues.
ACLU Hawaiʻi Executive Director Salmah Y. Rizvi highlighted teachers’ roles as protectors of students and called schools sanctuaries rather than sites of surveillance.
In response to heightened concerns about immigration enforcement’s impact on students and staff, discussions continue between educational leaders and government representatives like U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda.
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