I write in support of House Bills 1260, 1265, 1438, 1440, 1441, 1442, and 1482. In combination, these bills form a framework to protect civil liberties, reinforce the integrity of public institutions, and clearly define the appropriate scope of law enforcement authority in Virginia. These bills ensure that schools, courthouses, polling places, and other civic spaces remain accessible and safe; that individuals can participate in education, the justice system, and elections without fear or intimidation; and that enforcement actions are transparent, accountable, and grounded in judicial authorization. Collectively, they strengthen public trust by drawing clear boundaries between state and federal roles, prioritizing due process, and strengthening public safety by upholding constitutional rights.

The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights supports this bill.

I am Chelsea Dunn Torrey, the Legal Director of the Youth Justice Program at the Legal Aid Justice Center, and I submit this comment in support of House Bill 1260. Since the federal government rescinded the sensitive locations policy in 2025, our team has been traveling across the Commonwealth holding Know Your Rights presentations for families and children—some as young as five years old—because they are afraid of what might happen if immigration enforcement comes into their schools. When kindergarteners are asking what to do if “ICE comes to my classroom,” something is deeply wrong. SB 1260 works to address this problem, by mandating that schools provide notice to families when immigration authorities are present on campus and requiring that school prohibit immigration enforcement on campus without a valid warrant. It provides complementary protections to other similar legislation being considered this year, specifically the Virginia Education Access & Privacy Act (House Bill 836). We urge you to support this bill.

I hope you read this article regarding education for social studies. Thanks https://www.baconsrebellion.com/excluding-social-studies-from-accountability-to-preserve-inquiry-is-mistaken/

As parents and grandparents, we should be able to send our children to school with confidence and assurance that they are in a protected environment conducive to learning and developing life skills. The possibility of school facilities being invaded by agents investigating for immigration violations and using children as a way to get to those who may be in true violation of immigration laws is ludicrous. These are innocent children and are in no way responsible for any real or perceived violations. The potential presence of ICE officers on a school campus invites dangerous circumstances that can threaten the liberty and life of our children and those charged with their protection when on school property. The bulk of this bill addresses the need for accountability for appropriate general school safety and disaster planning, which I am in full support of. I believe it is appropriate to consider the potential for ICE agents to invade the public school arena as a threat to the safety of our children. There is no valid reason for this to happen. In my opinion, this Bill does not go far enough, only requiring a warrant for Immigration agents to invade. I would urge that an amendment be made to not allow Immigration agents on campus at all.

ICE should not be allowed on school grounds.