AS 2025 continues, the new president’s mass deportation plans bring fear to many people who call the U.S. home. This new policy targets millions of immigrants and has contributed to a negative stereotype against many Latinos. However, most Latinos have come to the U.S. to build their entire lives here. 

The majority of millennial immigrants came looking for a better future for their children — something they were unable to get in their home countries — and now they are facing this sweeping new policy. The Trump administration has allegedly told immigration officials they are now allowed to raid churches and schools, which has left many students and staff in fear. However, many schools have spoken out in opposition to this policy.

Laura Sherman, a counselor, is ready to help students. “For our Latinos, we are under the law that we cannot give out any info about minors, let alone let people storm our school and take our students. That’s not going to happen here at Granger. Our students are our family, and we are here to take care of and protect them,” she said. 

She has advice for students. “I know it is going to be a long, tough four years, but we can get through this. If you or your families are nervous, please come talk to a trusted adult,” she said. The Granite School District has procedures in place to keep schools safe for everyone who enters.

Students are afraid to be quoted in the school newspaper, but they still have strong opinions. “I don’t feel like it is necessary. I get that there are people out there from other countries committing crimes, but the fact that they are targeting the whole race is something discriminatory and racist. I do not support it at all; it is something unsupportable. It very much has encouraged racism. I see it in school. I had someone come up to me saying they think I should be deported,” a Granger Lancer said.

“It can affect people, and it is not a good thing. Stay indoors for the weekend, stay on the low, and do not make a high profile of yourself during this time,” a Granger Lancer said.

The new 2025 policy has increased racism rates, especially in heavily Latino-populated communities, and we should step up to help those now living in fear. Many school staff have been advocating for the Latino community and are ready to protect their students. 

“I believe it’s truly sad. I agree that there are people committing crimes and doing stuff while they are here, but there are also people who have made a life here who have been here for 15+ years, and have done nothing wrong. They help this community and economy. I think it is a stupid decision to pull our people out of this country,” a Granger Lancer said. 

“I have received some comments against myself and my family as well. I feel like it’s made racism not look that bad and has boosted racism a lot. Let’s help each other, let’s communicate. Those people who have good status, should step up and help those who don’t,” a Granger Lancer said.

Ms. Neibaur, Granger High School teacher, said, “I will go to jail. I don’t care about any of that because I am here for my kids, period. I think that the district’s information about immigration policies should be more accessible and easier to find. I think it should be on our Instagram, on our website, and on every easily accessed website. And in handouts, too. Maybe even somewhere we can get it out there anonymously because some students are scared.”

Ms. Neibar is very supportive. “A lot of us, even myself, don’t know a lot of things we can say or do. Kids need to know that no one has a right to your information, to collect it, ask for it, etc. I think the red card should be available anonymously. As I said, I will not hesitate to protect my kids because, number one, I came into teaching because I want to help kids succeed,” Ms. Neibaur said.

There are many students and staff who will not hesitate to protect their friends and loved ones.

With sightings of many ICE trucks in West Valley City, many students are fearing for the safety of their parents and themselves. “It’s making a lot of kids stress over it, and mostly my family because of a lot going on. If they see them, they send pictures to their loved ones or share them on social media to spread the word and bring awareness,” Sebastian Felix (11) said. 

ICE trucks have had confirmed sightings to be in West Valley City and Magna. They are making visits to homes and schools. To immigrants, it is important to remember the rights they have in the United States. 

The ACLU.org website offers this advice if law enforcement officers ask about immigration status:

How to reduce risk to yourself 

• Stay calm. Don’t run, argue, resist, or obstruct the officer, even if you believe your rights are being violated. Keep your hands where the police can see them.
• Don’t lie about your status or provide false documents.

Your rights

• You have the right to remain silent and do not have to discuss your immigration or citizenship status with police, immigration agents, or other officials. Anything you tell an officer can later be used against you in immigration court. 
• If you are not a U.S. citizen and an immigration agent requests your immigration papers, you must show them if you have them with you. 
• If an immigration agent asks if they can search you, you have the right to say no. Agents do not have the right to search you or your belongings without your consent or probable cause. 
• If you’re over 18, carry your papers with you at all times. If you don’t have them, tell the officer that you want to remain silent, or that you want to consult a lawyer before answering any questions.