Know Your Rights

(Traducción al español aquí) Regardless of immigration status, we are all part of this wonderful PS 133 community. The PTA and administration prioritize the safety and education of all our students. To that end, we are sharing information and resources concerning ICE raids.
The New York City DOE and the Mayor’s Office are committed to protecting the right of every student to attend public school regardless of immigration status, national origin, or religion. The DOE does not permit non-local law enforcement agents—including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel—to enter schools except when absolutely required by law. Often this means they must have a warrant signed by a judge to proceed. They must wait outside or leave while the principal contacts DOE lawyers. More info here. The administration of PS 133 is aligned with this stance.
We encourage all parents and guardians in our community to update and complete their child's Emergency Contact Card (commonly called "the blue card"), which states who has permission to pick up their children in case of an emergency.
Further resources can be found here.
- We have rights videos: https://www.aclu.org/we-have-rights (available in multiple languages)
- Know your rights toolkit: https://www.ilrc.org/resources/community/know-your-rights-toolkit
- Family preparedness planning: https://www.ilrc.org/resources/step-step-family-preparedness-plan
- Know your rights tools: https://www.nyic.org/resources-training/kyr/
- Immigrant Defense Project Helpline: https://www.immigrantdefenseproject.org/about/contact/
As we gather more information and more resources become available, we will share them.
Co-VP of Community Louis Cespedes, supported by a squad of PS 133 parents, will assist however possible. Please contact him at [email protected] / 646-573-8485.
- Joel, Tse, PTA President, Jan 2025