Dupage Policy Journal

Glenbard Township High School District 87 Superintendent David Larson has invoked privacy laws to safeguard students from potential deportation amid recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions.

In a recent letter sent to staff and families, David Larson, Ed.D., acknowledged the increasing reality of deportations, particularly in light of discussions during the presidential campaign, and reassured families of the district's commitment to protecting student privacy.

"We have seen ICE agents in the news recently, and deportations discussed during the presidential campaign are becoming a reality," Larson wrote.  

Larson vowed that privacy laws would block any requests from law enforcement agencies, including ICE, for student information.

"If any law enforcement agency (ICE included) requests information about students in Glenbard, our administration and staff MUST adhere to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)," he said. "FERPA requires parental/guardian permission or a properly executed court order to release any student information."

He also highlighted that the district would comply with Illinois’ Corey’s Law, a state law signed in 2019 that provides additional protections for students. 

Corey’s Law requires parents to be present when students are questioned or detained in relation to a crime.

Larson is in his final year as superintendent, and will be replaced by Glenbard South High School Principal Jessica Santee in July.

As part of his 2024 election platform, President Donald Trump pledged to carry out mass deportations of illegal aliens, many of whom have arrived in Illinois either independently or through bussing programs initiated by border states.

Upon beginning his second term on Jan. 20, Trump prioritized deportations, focusing on illegal aliens accused of committing crimes.

Notably, over 191,000 DuPage County residents voted for Trump in the 2024 election, according to AP-certified results.

The Center for Immigration Studies reports that Illinois has the fifth-largest population of illegal aliens in the U.S., with roughly 530,000 individuals attracted to the state by its sanctuary status and extensive public benefits.

Illinois taxpayers have spent an estimated $2.84 billion on services for illegal aliens since 2022, not including education costs or other local services. 

Republican lawmakers have criticized these growing expenses, arguing that taxpayer dollars are being redirected from essential programs that benefit Illinois residents.

Since 2021, an estimated 7.2 million illegal aliens have entered the U.S. under the Biden administration, a number greater than the population of 36 U.S. states.