Brunswick Officials Address Misinformation Amid Expected Increase in ICE Activity

Immigration Concerns Prompt Brunswick School District to Issue Policy Reminder

Brunswick School Superintendent Phil Potenziano moved Friday to quell community concerns about immigration enforcement, clarifying that no Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity has occurred within the district’s schools despite rumors circulating throughout the community.

The superintendent’s message followed an earlier communication on Thursday that referenced reports of ICE activity in Brunswick, which apparently triggered widespread concern among parents and residents.

“I have received many emails and messages following that communication,” Potenziano wrote in his Friday clarification. “Please know that unless information comes directly from the Brunswick School Department, it should be treated with caution. I will continue to communicate with parents, staff, and students through our official communication channels.”

Brunswick Police Chief Scott Stewart confirmed Thursday evening that there have been no substantiated reports of ICE operations in the community, despite speculation circulating on social media platforms.

The situation in Brunswick reflects growing tension across Maine as several communities prepare for what some officials believe could be increased immigration enforcement activity. Portland and Lewiston leaders, along with state officials including Governor Janet Mills, have recently issued statements supporting immigrant communities and emphasizing residents’ legal rights during potential ICE operations.

The uncertainty has already impacted school attendance in some areas. Portland schools reported that many students remained home Monday due to fears about immigration enforcement, although federal authorities have not yet confirmed any planned operations in Maine.

In response to community concerns, Potenziano outlined Brunswick School Department’s policies regarding potential immigration enforcement actions at district facilities. These protocols include restricting ICE agents to public lobbies while administrators verify proper documentation, and refusing access to secure areas like classrooms, cafeterias, hallways and school buses without a signed judicial warrant.

“If ICE agents show up at a BSD school or site, staff will inform their principal and treat the agent like any other adult,” the superintendent explained. “Specifically, they will restrict the agents to the lobby while they determine why the agents are there and whether they have permissions or judicial documentation to conduct their intended activity.”

The district has also prepared contingency plans for potential enforcement activities near schools. Potenziano indicated that if administrators become aware of ICE operations in the vicinity, they would coordinate with local law enforcement to determine appropriate responses, which might include temporarily holding school buses at the end of the day.

He emphasized that student information remains protected and will not be shared without either parental permission or proper judicial authorization.

“The Central Office is prepared to act promptly to ensure full compliance with all state and federal laws and district policies,” Potenziano assured families.

This situation highlights the delicate balance school districts must maintain when addressing immigration enforcement concerns – protecting student privacy and ensuring safe learning environments while also complying with federal requirements. Educational institutions across Maine and nationally have developed similar protocols as immigration policies and enforcement priorities have fluctuated in recent years.

For Brunswick, the immediate challenge appears to be managing community anxiety and preventing misinformation from disrupting the educational environment, even as district administrators prepare for scenarios they hope will not materialize.