Chicago’s school board approved a resolution promising to protect its students from federal immigration officials, with the vow coming amid discussions of possible mass deportation efforts by the incoming Trump administration.

The Chicago Board of Education unanimously approved the resolution during a special meeting. The resolution is aimed at “affirming the values” of Chicago Public Schools, as well as cementing the district’s status as a “welcoming” place for all, according to a copy shared by the board.

The board first passed such a resolution in 2016. Chicago Public Schools later expanded the effort to declare its schools as “sanctuary schools.”

The resolution notes that the 2024 presidential election may have caused “fear, concern, confusion, sadness, anger, or anxiety” in students and staff. Included in the language is a vow to welcome all students and families, regardless of immigration status.

The resolution also promises that Chicago Public Schools will not “provide assistance” to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials “in the enforcement of federal civil immigration law.”

“Therefore, ICE will not be permitted access to CPS facilities or personnel except in the rare instances in which CPS is provided with a criminal warrant,” the resolution reads.

The Chicago Teachers Union applauded the school board’s move Thursday, saying its reaffirmation comes “in anticipation of expected discrimination and division” under President-elect Donald Trump.

“The mayor’s appointed school board is leading by example for what all of our local leaders must be doing in anticipation of a Trump presidency and the attacks outlined in Project 2025,” union President Stacy Davis Gates said in a statement. “They are restating this district’s values, using their power to protect students, and sending a message both to the families the district serves and the President-elect that Chicago will take action to protect and defend the most vulnerable members of our diverse communities.”

The approval of the resolution follows Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson making a similar promise this week. The mayor, during a Tuesday press conference, said his city will not coordinate with any mass deportation efforts by the incoming Trump administration.

“We’re going to defend the people of this city because his attack, let’s be very clear — the president-elect, former President Trump, his threat is not just toward new arrivals and undocumented families,” Mayor Johnson said. “His threats are also against Black families.”

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