The Miami-Dade teacher’s union held a news conference to discuss the Trump administration’s possible closure of the Department of Education and the fear surrounding the possibility of ICE raids at schools. NBC6’s Laura Rodriguez reports
The Miami-Dade teacher's union held a news conference Thursday to discuss the Trump administration's possible closure of the Department of Education.
Officials with United Teachers of Dade spoke about what they are calling threats to public schools from the administration after it was reported earlier this week that the White House was preparing an executive order to eliminate the department.
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They also spoke about the fear surrounding the possibility of ICE raids at schools though it's important to note there have been no ICE raids at schools in Miami Dade or Broward or elsewhere.
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The United Teachers of Dade said it's important for undocumented students to feel safe and welcome at school.
"Unless there is a signed warrant by a judge for a very specific person, that is the only way they will have access to a person, but it has to go through a process. The principal has to call the region, the region has to call the legal department, the legal department will verify if that is a warrant that is worthy of whatever action they are requesting," president Karla Hernandez-Mats said.
Hernandez-Mats claimed some students have been absent in certain areas due to fear of being deported. She did not specify the schools and did not provide exact data.
NBC6 asked the district if they've had a drop in attendance but haven't heard back.
As for Broward, they've actually seen an increase in attendance compared to last year. The day with the most notable decrease was Feb. 3, which was a day of protest.
