Nevada’s Latest Bill Prioritizes Illegal Immigrants Over School Safety – Should Teachers Face Jail Time for Cooperating with ICE?

In yet another attempt to shield illegal immigrants from federal law enforcement, Nevada lawmakers are pushing a bill that would make it a crime for school employees to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Assembly Bill 217, introduced by Democrat Assemblymember Cecilia González, would bar school staff from allowing ICE agents onto school property or sharing student information without a warrant. If passed, school employees who defy this policy could face criminal charges, including jail time.

The bill, which had its first hearing in the Assembly Committee on Education, aims to cement existing policies in Clark and Washoe County schools—two of the largest districts in the state. According to González, the legislation is a direct response to concerns from Nevada’s “mixed-status families” who fear immigration enforcement following President Donald Trump’s past policies targeting illegal immigration.

Under the proposal, any school employee who “knowingly and willfully” helps ICE without a warrant could be charged with a misdemeanor, facing up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. In other words, a teacher who follows federal law could be criminally prosecuted under state law.

Supporters, including progressive and immigrant-rights organizations, argue that the bill would make illegal immigrants and their children feel “safer” in Nevada schools. Noé Orosco, government affairs manager for Make the Road Nevada, claimed the bill could reduce school absenteeism, arguing that fear of immigration enforcement keeps students from attending class.

But the proposal isn’t sitting well with everyone. The Nevada Association of School Boards and the Nevada Association of School Superintendents opposed the bill, saying it puts school staff in an impossible situation—forcing them to break either state or federal law. Some critics are also raising concerns that schools should focus on education, not shielding illegal immigrants from accountability.

Nevada Republican National Committeeman Jim DeGraffenried dismissed the bill as largely unnecessary, arguing that school districts already have policies in place regarding student privacy and law enforcement cooperation. Others question why state lawmakers are prioritizing illegal immigrants over teachers and law-abiding students at a time when Nevada schools are struggling with real challenges, including violence and academic decline.

As the debate continues, one thing is clear—Democrats in Nevada are more concerned with protecting illegal immigrants than ensuring law and order. Should school employees really face criminal charges for following federal law? Or is this yet another example of radical policies undermining public safety and common sense?

Source: Mohave Daily News