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Part of the Wellness & Belonging Campaign
Visit the Wellness Page → https://farmworkersbethel.site/supporting-immigrant-neighbors/
Every child has the right to feel safe at school.
But for many immigrant families, just hearing the word “ICE” in a school context is enough to trigger fear, confusion, and deep anxiety. Parents worry they’ll be separated from their children. Students fear that a normal school day might turn into a life-altering event. And educators often don’t know how to respond when rumors or misunderstandings arise.
At Beth-El Farmworker Ministry, we believe schools should be places of peace, not fear. As part of our Wellness & Belonging campaign, we’re offering clarity, reassurance, and trusted information for families navigating the uncertainty that often surrounds immigration enforcement and school safety. Because mental and emotional wellness isn’t just about what happens at home—it’s about what our children carry in their hearts every day.
ICE and Schools: What You Need to Know
Let’s begin with the facts. According to federal and state guidance:
- All children have the right to an education, regardless of immigration status.
- Florida schools do not collect immigration status information. Enrolling your child in school does not require you to reveal your or your child’s immigration background.
- ICE is not allowed to enter school campuses without a signed judicial warrant. This means that immigration agents cannot simply walk into a school building or question students without legal documentation.
- Students and parents have the right to remain silent and to seek legal counsel if questioned by immigration officials.
Despite these legal protections, rumors and social media posts often spread fear unnecessarily. And fear, especially when persistent, affects wellness at every level—mental, emotional, and physical.
When Fear Shows Up at School
For many children from immigrant and mixed-status families, fear is something they carry in their backpacks. They may appear distracted in class, afraid to speak up, or reluctant to participate in school events. At home, their parents may avoid meetings or limit communication with school staff, worried that engaging too much might draw attention.
This constant stress can have serious consequences:
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Sleep problems
- Stomach aches and headaches
- Difficulty concentrating and learning
- Behavioral outbursts or withdrawal
Teachers and counselors may notice a child is struggling, but not understand why. Parents may feel powerless, wanting to protect their children without knowing who to trust or what is true.
How Wellness Is Affected by Misinformation
A major contributor to this crisis of fear is misinformation. Group chats, social media posts, and even well-meaning friends sometimes share dramatic claims that ICE has entered a school or that families will be deported just for showing up. These stories spread fast—but are rarely verified.
When families don’t have access to clear, trusted information, stress builds. They begin to avoid important institutions like schools, hospitals, or food pantries—cutting themselves off from critical resources that support their wellness.
This isolation only deepens the mental health challenges many already face.
What Beth-El Is Doing to Help
At Beth-El, we believe that knowledge is not just power—it’s peace of mind. That’s why our Wellness & Belonging campaign offers:
- “Know Your Rights” guidance in both English and Spanish
- Workshops and informational handouts about ICE in schools
- Mental health resources for families and children living with chronic stress or fear
- Confidential support from trusted advocates who will walk alongside you
- Spiritual care for those who seek comfort and guidance through faith
We also encourage families to prepare proactively, not reactively.
How Families Can Prepare
Here are some steps you can take to feel more in control and protect your peace of mind:
1. Teach Your Children Their Rights
Make sure your children know they have the right to remain silent and that they do not have to speak to any official without a trusted adult present. Practice this together so they feel confident.
2. Fill Out a Temporary Guardianship Form
In case of emergency, identify a trusted U.S. citizen who could care for your child. Filling out this form in advance ensures your child is not left vulnerable.
3. Stay Informed with Verified Sources
Rely on trusted community organizations like Beth-El or www.nuevoenus.org for updates—not rumors in group chats or social media.
4. Connect with School Staff
Let your school counselor or a trusted teacher know if your child is experiencing stress. Most educators want to help, but they can only act when they understand what’s going on.
5. Take Care of Your Emotional Health
You cannot pour from an empty cup. Seeking mental health support, talking with a counselor, or joining a support group can help you remain strong and grounded—for your sake and your children’s.
Standing with Families, Not Against Them
When families feel supported, they thrive. When children feel safe, they learn and grow. That’s the heart of Beth-El’s mission—to walk with farm-working and immigrant families as they navigate a system that too often leaves them scared and isolated.
We don’t believe in fear-based decision-making. We believe in faith-based community building—rooted in love, understanding, and shared humanity.
We invite you to:
- Download our Wellness & Belonging resources
- Share the facts with your neighbors
- Help us reduce fear by spreading clarity and compassion
Final Thoughts
ICE does not belong in classrooms. Fear does not belong in childhood. And no parent should have to choose between safety and education.
Our community has the power to protect its children—not just legally, but emotionally and spiritually. By providing clear information, mental health support, and spaces of belonging, we can replace fear with resilience, misinformation with clarity, and isolation with hope.
If you are worried about your family’s future, we are here to walk beside you. You are not alone.
Let’s build a community where every child feels safe to learn, and every parent feels safe to lead.
Visit our Wellness & Belonging page to get started →
https://farmworkersbethel.site/supporting-immigrant-neighbors/
Car Credit Supports Beth-El Farmworker Ministry
For many farmworker families, meeting basic needs remains a daily challenge. Beth-El Farmworker Ministry provides a lifeline, offering hunger relief, education, healthcare, and spiritual growth to farm-working families and neighbors in need. Through compassion and care, Beth-El continues its mission of feeding the mind, spirit, and body of those it serves.
Nuevo en US (www.nuevoenus.org) and Car Credit (www.carcredittampa.com) are proud to support Beth-El, an organization dedicated to assisting farmworker families. For those who are new to the country, adjusting to a new life can be challenging. Thanks to Car Credit’s commitment to Spanish-speaking communities and its owner, Steve Cuculich, we work together to ensure they receive the guidance and support they need to move forward.