Abilene ISD reinforces campus protocols amid new ICE enforcement policy

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Following the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) recent policy update allowing arrests and searches in “sensitive locations” such as schools and churches, the Abilene Independent School District (AISD) has reaffirmed that policies and procedures are in place regarding visitors and law enforcement presence on campuses.

On January 20, 2025, DHS issued a new directive to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), rescinding the previous October 27, 2021, memorandum, which had granted special protections to certain locations from enforcement of immigration laws.

DHS shared that the Enforcement Actions in or Near Protected Areas directive acknowledges that “officers frequently apply enforcement discretion to balance a variety of interests, including the degree to which any law enforcement action occurs in a sensitive location. Going forward, law enforcement officers should continue to use that discretion along with a healthy dose of common sense.”

In response, many Big Country parents and residents have raised concerns about law enforcement entering schools. KTAB/KRBC reached out to multiple school districts in the area for clarification on their policies.

Abilene ISD Director of Communications Jordan Ziemer confirmed that protocols are in place for visitors, including law enforcement, on school campuses and that staff training is already underway on proper procedures for interacting with federal law enforcement officers.

“Additionally, we have begun training campus staff on proper procedures for interacting with federal law enforcement officers. This includes protecting the privacy rights of students and requesting proper documentation from federal law enforcement,” Ziemer shared. “We have also contacted our legal counsel for guidance regarding the possible presence of federal agents on our campuses, which has been provided. We care deeply for our students and families and will endeavor to follow the law.”

KTAB/KRBC is awaiting responses from other nearby school districts and will provide updates as more information is released.