Chicago parents and advocates demand non-citizen advisory board in schools as ICE raids increase citywide

Chicago parents and community groups are pressing Mayor Brandon Johnson to create a Non-Citizen Advisory Board for the city’s school system. Illinois lawmakers required the board when they established an elected school board in 2021. The law aims to give noncitizen students and parents a voice in the district. US citizens can also serve on the advisory board.

Nearly nine months after the new school board was sworn in, the advisory board has not yet been launched, as reported by Chalkbeat Chicago. State law does not set a deadline or specify how many people the mayor should appoint. Advocates say the board is urgent as federal immigration enforcement intensifies in the city.
City response Chalkbeat reports that a spokesperson for Mayor Johnson said the mayor’s off ice has held four meetings with partners about creating the board. The office is finalizing an application for membership. It is being translated into multiple languages. Officials are taking steps to protect participants amid increased ICE activity. The office did not share details on who will be appointed or when the board will formally begin work.
Federal funding and policy challengesThe board could conflict with federal policy. The Trump administration has threatened to withhold $20 million in magnet school funding because of district plans to support Black students. Federal officials say the plans violate civil rights for non-Black students. CPS has not received evidence of civil rights violations. Funding for English learner programs has been cut and federal guidance on their rights rolled back. Many English learners are noncitizens or have noncitizen parents.
Parents express fearThe report by Chalkbeat highlights that parents at recent school board meetings said ICE activity has left families anxious. They asked the district to consider virtual learning during high-risk periods. Some parents are worried about enforcement during school drop-off and pick-up. Chicago officials and community organizations have launched school patrols in some neighborhoods to alert families if federal agents appear.

CPS leaders maintain schools remain safe. Federal agents cannot enter school buildings without a criminal judicial warrant. But families remain concerned after ICE raids at South Shore apartments and reports of tear gas near schools.
Advocates call for immediate actionCommunity advocates say the board could have created a formal channel for immigrant family concerns earlier. Valentina, a former CPS parent, said all children deserve access to education regardless of their family status. She spoke through a Spanish translator and asked that her last name not be used for safety reasons.

School board president Sean Harden said updates on the application process will be shared in the coming weeks. The board is also working on a Black Student Success Committee and a committee focused on special education.
Safety and participation concernsSome parents and board members suggest including both citizens and noncitizens on the advisory board. Those who are comfortable can speak for others who fear public identification. Appointed board member Norma Rios-Sierra and other members are considering an ad hoc committee to track immigration concerns and discuss crisis planning, including virtual learning.

Elected board member Yesenia Lopez said the board must act carefully to protect participants. She said the city faces a dilemma. State law requires the board, but federal enforcement could penalize the district. She also raised questions about whether the state could provide financial support if federal funds are withheld.

The debate over the advisory board reflects a larger tension in Chicago schools. Officials must balance compliance with state law, the safety of immigrant families , and potential federal consequences. Parents say the advisory board is necessary to ensure all students have a voice in decisions affecting their education and daily safety.