Watchdog Publishes Database of 700+ K‑12 'Sanctuary' School Districts

A national education watchdog group, Defending Education, has launched a public database cataloging more than 700 K‑12 school districts in 33 states and Washington, D.C., that have adopted 'sanctuary,' 'safe haven' or other immigration‑related policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The tool lets parents search by state and district and links directly to board resolutions, staff guidance and written procedures on how schools should respond if ICE or other federal agents seek access to campuses. Senior communications director Erika Sanzi told Fox the group believes districts are "playing a dangerous game" when they move to resist or impede federal law enforcement, arguing schools risk "shielding violent family members" from deportation even as many educators say such policies are needed to reassure immigrant families. The rollout comes amid a sharp escalation in Trump‑era immigration enforcement and visible youth activism, including student walkouts against ICE operations in Phoenix and Minnesota and school closures in the Twin Cities over 'safety concerns' tied to raids. By systematizing where and how districts have drawn lines on cooperating with ICE, the database adds a new layer to a national fight over whether schools should act as neutral ground, local sanctuary, or adjuncts to federal enforcement in the immigration wars.