Alexandria City Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt sent a message to the school community Tuesday reassuring families that federal immigration agents have not visited any school campuses, following concerns about recent enforcement activity in the city.
“We want to clarify that while ICE agents currently may be active in the City of Alexandria, ICE agents have thus far not visited any ACPS campuses during this school year,” Kay-Wyatt wrote in the message shared with students, staff and families.
The statement comes after federal agents arrested 15 construction workers Monday afternoon in Alexandria’s Chirilagua neighborhood on the first day of school, and returned Tuesday morning to arrest another individual at a nearby bus stop.
Several community members had expressed concerns about the timing of Monday’s enforcement action, which occurred as families were preparing to pick up children from their first day of classes. Some reported seeing ICE agents near an elementary school, though this could not be confirmed.
“We want to take this opportunity to remind families that all of our students and families are welcome in ACPS,” Kay-Wyatt’s message continued. “Our schools will continue to be inclusive spaces where students can learn, staff can work and families can engage. We remain committed to ensuring that all members of our community feel respected, valued and supported.”
The superintendent emphasized the district’s focus on supporting students and families during challenging times, encouraging those who need additional support to reach out to school counselors, administrators or other trusted adults within ACPS.
The message also provided community-based crisis resources available 24/7, including CrisisText (text “CONNECT” to 85511) and CrisisLink (call 703-527-4077).
“Our primary focus is on supporting our students and families, particularly during challenging times and in difficult circumstances, while ensuring we provide a supportive environment where we can nurture, educate and inspire all students,” Kay-Wyatt wrote.
The superintendent promised that if there are any changes that directly affect schools, the district will communicate promptly with students, families and staff.
Monday’s arrests prompted an evening community rally where Mayor Alyia Gaskins, Vice Mayor Sarah Bagley and City Council member Abdel Elnoubi condemned the federal enforcement action. City council members also criticized the timing and approach of the arrests.
The enforcement actions occurred in the Chirilagua neighborhood, located in Alexandria’s Arlandria area, which has a significant Latino population and a long history of welcoming immigrants.
Full Statement
The following message was shared with the ACPS community today:
Alexandria City Public Schools Students, Staff and Families,
Several people have reached out to Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) staff yesterday and today expressing concerns about recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in the area. We want to clarify that while ICE agents currently may be active in the City of Alexandria, ICE agents have thus far not visited any ACPS campuses during this school year.
We want to take this opportunity to remind families that all of our students and families are welcome in ACPS. Our schools will continue to be inclusive spaces where students can learn, staff can work and families can engage. We remain committed to ensuring that all members of our community feel respected, valued and supported.
Our primary focus is on supporting our students and families, particularly during challenging times and in difficult circumstances, while ensuring we provide a supportive environment where we can nurture, educate and inspire all students. If you or your child needs additional support during this time, please reach out to school counselors, administrators, or another trusted adult within ACPS. You can also access community-based crisis resources available 24/7:
CrisisText: Text “CONNECT” to 85511
CrisisLink: Call 703-527-4077
If there are any changes that directly affect our schools, we will communicate promptly with students, families and staff to ensure you remain informed. In the meantime, we encourage everyone to continue focusing on the important work of teaching, learning and building a strong community together.
Sincerely,
Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt
Superintendent
Alexandria City Public Schools
