Safe Haven

Dear Canutillo Community,

The recent announcement from President Donald Trump regarding the repeal of limits on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents has sparked a wave of uncertainty for many families in our community. The policy, which overturns measures established during the Biden administration, narrows the list of “protected areas” where immigration enforcement cannot occur. These areas had included schools, universities, healthcare facilities and places of worship, among others.

While Canutillo ISD has not been contacted by any law enforcement agency about these proposed changes, we remain vigilant in monitoring the situation and evaluating its potential impact on our students and their families.

Education is a cornerstone of our community, and our responsibility is to provide a safe, welcoming environment for every child who walks through our doors. Regardless of political shifts, we will continue to stay focused on our mission to deliver high-quality education to all students, no matter what.

This issue is undeniably political, but Canutillo ISD’s approach will remain above the fray. Our role as educators and community leaders is not to debate the politics of immigration enforcement but to ensure that our students feel secure and supported. When children feel safe, they can thrive academically. When they are burdened with fear or anxiety, their ability to learn is compromised.

To that end, Canutillo ISD will continue its strong partnership with ICE and other law enforcement agencies. These partnerships have been instrumental in maintaining the safety and security of our campuses. However, our commitment to safety will never come at the expense of our students’ rights or their access to effective teaching and learning.

Schools are more than just places of academic instruction. They are safe havens, places where students can grow intellectually, emotionally and socially. We must be steadfast in preserving this sense of security. Our students come to us with the expectation that their well-being will be prioritized, and we take that responsibility seriously.

In recent years, the expansion of “protected areas” was a reflection of a broader commitment to keeping schools, healthcare facilities and places of worship free from enforcement actions that might disrupt the lives of vulnerable populations. The potential rollback of these protections raises concerns about how changes in immigration policy could ripple through communities like ours.

At Canutillo ISD, we understand that many of our families come from diverse backgrounds. Some may be directly affected by immigration enforcement policies, while others may simply feel the weight of uncertainty and fear in the current climate. Regardless of their circumstances, we are committed to providing stability, reassurance and support.

To our students and families: please know that we are here for you. We value your right to access our schools and to feel safe inside our classrooms. No child should have to worry about their safety while they are trying to learn. No family should have to question whether their children will be treated with dignity and respect at school.

Our pledge is to continue advocating for what is best for our students. This includes ensuring that all children, regardless of their immigration status, have equal opportunities to succeed in our classrooms. It also means working with our partners in law enforcement to balance the safety of our campuses with the need to protect the rights and well-being of our students.

Canutillo ISD has a long history of standing by its families, even in the face of uncertainty. Our district’s values of inclusivity, integrity and excellence guide us in times like these. As we navigate the implications of these changes, we will rely on those principles to inform our actions.

I want to reiterate that Canutillo ISD remains committed to fostering an environment where students can learn without fear. The decisions made at the national level will undoubtedly have local consequences, but our focus will not waver. We will continue to prioritize the safety, education and emotional well-being of every child entrusted to our care.

Together, as a community, we can provide the support and reassurance that our students and families need during this time. Let us remember that the future of our community depends on the success of our children, and their success depends on our unwavering commitment to their education and safety.

Dr. Pedro Galaviz
Superintendent