RealTalk: Know Your Rights, Protect Your Community—ICE Resources for Educators and Families

October 16, 2025

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The school bell rings, and thirty pairs of eyes look to you for lessons, for safety, for answers, and for hope.

Currently, educators across Chicago are holding space for questions that no lesson plan has prepared them to answer. Students are whispering in the hallways. Parents are calling the main office with voices that crack mid-sentence. Families who've built entire lives in our neighborhoods are navigating fear that seeps into everything—including the sanctuaries we've worked so hard to build in our schools.

This is bigger than policy. This is about the children sitting in your schools and districts whose parents might not be there for pickup. It's about the brilliant student who stops raising their hand because anxiety has stolen their voice. It's about communities that have trusted you to create spaces where every child can learn, grow, and dream without looking over their shoulder.

Here's what we know: Information is protection. Community is power. And educators are often the first line of defense for families who need guidance right now.

You have the heart to support your families—now let's make sure you have the tools. Families facing uncertainty, look to their school leaders for guidance and reassurance. At Surge, we always want to come alongside you and support you in any way we can. Now that means offering some resources to equip you and the information you need to confidently help our community while keeping our school's educational mission at the forefront. Together, we can ensure families feel informed and supported, and that your team can focus on what matters most: nurturing the next generation of leaders.

Below, you'll find national and local resources that provide accurate, actionable information about rights, legal support, safety planning, and community assistance. Whether you're supporting a colleague, connecting a family to legal aid, or simply trying to understand how to keep your school community informed and protected, these organizations are doing critical work right now.

Because when our families feel safe, our students can focus on becoming everything they're meant to be.

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National Resources

ACLU Immigrants' Rights Project The ACLU provides comprehensive "Know Your Rights" materials in multiple languages, legal support information, and updates on immigration enforcement policies.

  • Website: aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rights
  • Hotline: Available through state affiliates

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United We Dream The largest immigrant youth-led network in the country offers resources specifically designed for students, families, and educators navigating immigration concerns.

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National Immigration Law Center (NILC) NILC provides policy updates, educational resources, and connections to legal services nationwide.

  • Website: nilc.org
  • Resource Hub: nilc.org/get-involved/community-education-resources

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Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) Offers training materials, rights guides, and technical assistance for community organizations supporting immigrant families.

  • Website: ilrc.org
  • Educator Resources: ilrc.org/education-materials

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National Domestic Workers Alliance Provides resources specifically for domestic workers and families navigating workplace rights during immigration enforcement.

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Chicago and Illinois Resources

‍Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) Illinois's leading immigrant rights organization provides legal screenings, know-your-rights training, and community rapid response networks.

  • Website: icirr.org
  • Legal Screening Hotline: 855-435-7693
  • Chicago Office: 312-332-7360

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National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) Based in Chicago, NIJC offers direct legal services, policy advocacy, and educational resources for immigrants and their families.

  • Website: immigrantjustice.org
  • Legal Screening: 312-660-1370
  • Address: 224 S. Michigan Ave., Suite 600, Chicago, IL 60604

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The Resurrection Project Pilsen-based organization providing immigration legal services, family support, and community organizing resources.

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Chicago Public Schools Office of Student Protections and Title IX CPS has established protocols to protect students and families, including guidance on responding to immigration enforcement in schools.

  • CPS Immigration Support: 773-553-2625
  • Website: cps.edu (search "immigrant student support")

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Cook County Public Defender's Immigration Unit Provides free legal representation to detained immigrants in Cook County.

  • Website: cookcountyil.gov/public-defender
  • Phone: 312-603-4242

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Mujeres Latinas en Acción Chicago-based organization offering holistic support services, including immigration legal assistance for Latina women and families.

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Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) Chicago Provides immigration legal services, resettlement support, and case management.

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Illinois Attorney General's Immigrant Resource Line Offers information about immigrant rights, scam prevention, and connections to legal services.

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School-Specific Safety Planning Resources

‍Schools as Sanctuary Toolkit (ACLU) Guidance for educators and administrators on creating safe, welcoming environments and responding to immigration enforcement.

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Educators for Fair Consideration (E4FC) Provides resources specifically for educators supporting undocumented students and DACA recipients.

  • Website: e4fc.org
  • Educator Toolkit: Available for download

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The Education Trust Offers policy briefs and resources on supporting immigrant students and families in educational settings.

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What Educators Can Do Right Now

Create a safe communication plan: Ensure families know how to reach school leaders with concerns or questions without fear.

Share accurate information: Distribute "Know Your Rights" materials in families' home languages through trusted channels.

Build partnerships: Connect with local legal service providers before families are in crisis mode.

Document policies: Make sure your school has clear protocols about who can access campus and how staff should respond to inquiries.

Lead with compassion: Remember that trauma affects learning. Creating emotionally safe classrooms is educational leadership.

Protect student privacy: Understand FERPA protections and your school's obligations regarding student information.

Education has always been about more than curriculum—it's about creating conditions where every student can thrive. In uncertain times, that work becomes even more crucial. You're doing exactly what our communities need most by staying informed, connecting families to support, and leading with clarity and compassion.

Surge Institute is committed to supporting Black and Brown education leaders as they navigate complex challenges while staying focused on student success. For additional resources or to connect with fellow education leaders, visit surgeinstitute.org.

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