January 30, 2025
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Khelghati: Oswego District 308 can’t collect or maintain student immigration records

Superintendent addresses issue ahead of potential immigration enforcement on school campuses

By Eric Schelkopf
Oswego School District 308 Superintendent Andalib Khelghati addresses those attending a Nov. 4 public forum at Plank Junior High School.

Oswego School District 308 Superintendent Andalib Khelghati (Eric Schelkopf)

In the wake of the Trump administration announcing potential U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations on school campuses, Oswego School District 308 School Superintendent Andalib Khelghati said the district is legally prohibited from collecting or maintaining the immigration records of any student.

In addition, he said all student records are safeguarded under state and federal law. A court order would be needed for disclosure, Khelghati said.

He made the comments during Monday’s Oswego School Board meeting.

“While the likelihood of an immigration officer visiting our schools is low, our district and building leaders have received guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education and our legal counsel on the proper procedure to follow,” Khelghati said. “Only a criminal warrant signed by a judge would permit an ICE agent to enter a school. Even in such cases, our building leaders have been directed to contact the district immediately and to involve legal counsel to verify the warrant and to secure the appropriate and properly handling if it even gets to that.”

According to ISBE guidelines, all children in Illinois are entitled to equal access to a basic public elementary and secondary education regardless of their actual or perceived race, color, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, or the status of their parents/guardians.

“School districts that either prohibit or discourage – or maintain policies that have the effect of prohibiting or discouraging – children from enrolling in schools because they or their parent/guardians are not U.S. citizens or are undocumented may be in violation of state and federal law,” the guidance states.

Khelghati said the school district is committed to providing an environment for all students where they are able to focus on learning.

“I want to reaffirm our district’s unwavering commitment to providing a safe and securing learning environment for all our students,” he said.