Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain sent a communication to families Wednesday afternoon addressing rumors of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity that had impacted schools earlier in the day. The superintendent emphasized that no ICE agents or federal agents had visited any Newport schools or inquired about students or their families.
The concerns arose when some Rogers High School students received alarming texts from outside sources at the end of the school day. In response, school administration offered to transport these students home in a school van instead of having them ride the bus.
“At no time did ICE or any ICE agents enter the building or were students/staff in any danger,” Jermain stated in her letter to families.
The situation escalated when parents of Thompson Middle School students, aware that their high school siblings were getting rides home from Rogers, requested similar accommodations. This led to some Thompson students being driven home rather than taking the school bus.
Jermain acknowledged that the decision to change dismissal procedures, while made out of concern for student safety, inadvertently fueled rumors and caused unnecessary fear.
“I know these are very difficult and emotional times for everyone- and I apologize for the upset this may have caused,” Jermain wrote. She assured families that in the future, any changes to dismissal procedures would be communicated directly to families and staff by their schools.
Earlier on Wednesday, Jermain had addressed immigration concerns during her monthly interview with What’sUpNewp. She outlined the district’s existing policies regarding student safety and information sharing.
“Our number one goal and priority in all our schools is to keep our children safe,” Jermain said. She emphasized that schools never release children to anyone except a parent, family member, or someone on the emergency contact list.
Jermain also addressed recent changes to federal immigration enforcement policies. She stated that if a judicial warrant is served, front office staff and principals are instructed to contact her office immediately, and the district’s attorney would handle the situation.
“The warrant that must be served to us is a judicial warrant. It must be signed by a federal judge. It cannot be something that comes out of the office of ICE or anything like that,” Jermain explained.
The superintendent noted that the Rhode Island Department of Education had recently issued guidance for schools regarding immigration enforcement. She reiterated that Newport schools would continue to prioritize student safety and follow established protocols.
On Wednesday night, Newport Police Department confirmed a single immigration-related arrest in Newport.
Newport Police confirm single immigration enforcement action
