Recent changes to federal immigration policy have raised concerns in our community, particularly regarding removing schools from the list of traditionally recognized sensitive locations for immigration enforcement. In response, Norwalk city officials and Norwalk Public Schools have issued a letter (also below) to the community reaffirming their commitment to ensuring that all students—regardless of immigration status—feel safe and welcome in our schools.

Mayor Harry Rilling and Superintendent Dr. Alexandra Estrella assure Norwalk families that local schools will continue to provide an inclusive, supportive, and legally protected environment for every child. Connecticut state laws, including the Multilingual Learner Bill of Rights and the Trust Act, further reinforce these protections, limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement agencies and safeguarding students' access to education.

The letter outlines Norwalk Public Schools' strict policies regarding non-local law enforcement and ICE actions. These include requiring valid judicial warrants and initiating immediate legal review before granting access to students, facilities, or records.

For families seeking support, the City of Norwalk provides resources through its Community Resource Hub, where multilingual assistance is available in Spanish and Haitian Creole.

Below is the full letter from Norwalk officials, which underscores their commitment to standing with all students and families during this time of uncertainty.