গোথামিস্ট | The words “back to school” can be anxiety-inducing for so many New York students and families, but parents, educators and immigrant advocates say that for many without legal immigration status, the worry is even more pronounced amid the Trump administration’s ongoing immigration crackdown.

Besides considering what backpacks and notebooks to buy, these parents must necessarily consider some potentially life-altering questions: Can U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents enter local schools? Can schools share information with ICE? And who will care for children whose immigrant parents are unexpectedly detained?

“We want to reassure all families: Our schools are safe, welcoming places, and we encourage you to continue sending your children to school, where they are cared for and valued,” department spokesperson Nicole Brownstein said in a statement.

Every child has a right to a public school education, regardless of their immigration status, according to long-standing U.S. Supreme Court precedent. Under New York state law, all state residents have the right to attend public school between the ages of 5 and 21.

Students also have a right to receive translation and interpretation services, if needed, and free breakfast and lunch as well, according to Diana Aragundi, assistant director of the Immigrant Students’ Rights Project at the nonprofit Advocates for Children.

Parents are advised to keep their children’s emergency contacts up to date. If a child isn’t picked up from school — including in the case of a parent’s detention by ICE — the school will attempt to reach people listed as emergency contacts, according to the DOE. Immigrant advocates and school leaders recommend parents update their children’s emergency contact information, adding names and telephone numbers of trusted adults who can lend assistance.

”It seems like a very minor thing,” said Aragundi, from Advocates for Children. “But we just remind families that it’s still an important piece of information that we can share with schools. And it’s important to keep it updated.”

Schools will usually request that parents update this information at the start of the year. It’s also possible to update this information by visiting a school office.

Aragundi also recommended that parents consider reaching out to their schools before they have an immigration hearing or appointment where they fear they might be detained. In that case, the Department of Education might be able to connect the family with legal help and other resources.

“When we hear about a family that is being detained, we have — with their permission — connected them with community and agency partners who can offer legal support and other resources,” Brownstein, from the city’s education department, said in a statement.