Prepared, Not Panicked: An Approach to ICE-Related School Readiness

As immigration enforcement continues to be a prominent concern in the United States, many school professionals are asking: “Should we do ICE drills?” - simulating what to do if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents show up at a school. It’s a valid question, particularly in light of the heightened concerns among immigrant families and the growing need for schools to prepare for emergencies. However, as we explore this topic, it’s essential to take a step back and think about how we prepare in the most thoughtful, strategic way.

Rather than diving straight into implementing ICE drills in schools, an opportunity lies in preparing administrators and key staff  through tabletop exercises. These planning sessions focus on roles, responsibilities, and communication strategies, helping ensure your school can respond effectively to any situation without inadvertently creating fear or confusion.

What is an ICE Drill?

When people talk about ICE drills, they often refer to simulated exercises designed to prepare school staff for the possibility of an ICE raid. The idea is to ensure that everyone knows how to respond in case of an emergency. Like other types of response-based drills (think about the traditional “fire drill”, which practices response actions for a fire in a school building...) However, it's important to recognize that using these types of drills for Immigration Enforcement Preparedness may unintentionally cause anxiety, particularly for students and families who may already be dealing with fears around immigration enforcement.

The question is not  whether we should prepare, but rather how  we do it in a considerate and effective way. The goal should be to develop a response that prioritizes safety, clarity, and communication, without causing unnecessary distress and is suited to your school's needs and environment.

 A More Strategic Approach: Tabletop Exercises for Administrators

Consider the value of hosting tabletop exercises for your school’s administrators and key staff. These exercises are discussion-based sessions that allow school leaders to think through scenarios and plan responses collaboratively. The aim is not to rehearse actions physically, but to clarify roles, responsibilities, and communication procedures.

• What Are Tabletop Exercises? A tabletop exercise is a facilitated scenario-based conversation where school staff work together to understand how they would respond in various situations, including an ICE-related incident. These exercises allow you to examine how communication would flow, what legal protections are in place, and who is responsible for each action.
• Roles and Responsibilities: It’s important that everyone in the school knows their role during a crisis (said differently, where are you on your school’s ICS chart?) . Tabletop exercises help school professionals identify who should be in charge of what, from ensuring student safety to maintaining communication with law enforcement and legal counsel.
• Communication Strategies When ICE-related incidents occur, clear communication becomes critical. These exercises allow administrators to practice how to communicate with students, families, staff, and the broader community. With the right strategy in place, schools can prevent the spread of misinformation and avoid escalating fear.

Why Focus on Tabletop Exercises?

Instead of diving into a full-scale drill, tabletop exercises provide a space to address a broad range of issues in a controlled, low-stress environment. Here's why this method proves supportive and effective:

• Calm and Collected Response: Tabletop exercises help school leaders and staff think through the necessary actions without the emotional strain that an actual drill might introduce. Practicing responses in advance ensures that everyone is prepared to handle the situation in a calm, organized way.
• Developing Clear Protocols: With tabletop exercises, schools can develop or reinforce protocols for how to handle immigration-related incidents. Whether it’s understanding when to contact legal resources, how to safeguard student privacy, or how to handle interactions with ICE agents, this kind of preparation allows for thoughtful, coordinated action when needed.
• Addressing Legal and Ethical Considerations: Hosting these exercises provides an opportunity to discuss the legal and ethical implications of ICE presence in schools. Administrators can consult with legal experts to ensure their plans are legally sound and aligned with the rights of students and families.

So, what’s the best way to prepare for the possibility of ICE involvement in your school? It is best to consider the importance of strategic, collaborative planning suited for your school and your school environment. As a starting point, tabletop exercises offer an opportunity to clarify roles, refine communication strategies, and ensure everyone is prepared to handle the situation with confidence and care.

Ultimately, the goal is to foster a school environment where all students feel safe, respected, and supported—no matter what happens. By focusing on these thoughtful preparations, we can better protect students and families while remaining proactive and responsive.

We encourage school professionals to explore the resources in our U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Toolkit on Joffe Academy. Together, we can create plans that ensure your school community is ready for whatever may come, with a focus on clear roles and responsibilities and pre-planned communication.