Safe Haven Resolution

The MPS Safe Haven Resolution designates all Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) sites as a "safe haven" for undocumented students and families.

MPS believes in the equitable and fair treatment of all students and families. We welcome individuals of all ethnicities, religions, cultural backgrounds, immigration status, and sexual orientation or identity. In this district, we are all valued and no one is pushed aside; this is a safe haven of learning and support.

The Safe Haven Resolution outlines the steps the district will take to assure students and families that any actions that might be taken by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on school grounds will be opposed by all legal means available. This includes:

Creating a District Immigration Advisory Group in partnership with community-based organizations
Designating a person at every school to serve as a resource to immigrant and undocumented students and families
Developing procedures defining the appropriate steps to take if law enforcement comes to a school
Continuing to follow the federal Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Safe Haven Overview

Updated August 2025
View and Listen: English | Spanish

Learn more from the MPS superintendent.

Resources

MPS does not provide legal advice to students or families, but here are links to resources that may be helpful to undocumented immigrants, immigrants, and refugees living in Milwaukee County. While the listing may not be comprehensive, we do update it regularly. By posting here, MPS is not endorsing any organization but rather making resources available for families to review on their own.

Know Your Rights Tool Kits

Family Preparedness Plan and Fact Sheets

Every family should have a Family Preparedness Plan. While it is our hope that you never have to use your plan, it is a good practice to have one in place to help reduce the stress of the unexpected. This packet will help everyone create a Family Preparedness Plan, regardless of immigration status. However, because of the additional challenges immigrant and mixed status families face, there is also additional advice for immigrants.

Legal Assistance

Additional Resources

Letter to Families (January 2025)

Due to concerns raised by national developments, Milwaukee Public Schools wants to reassure everyone that we remain committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all students, families, and staff.

MPS has been a safe haven for students and families of any immigration status since 2017 and will continue to be a support to all of our families. We strongly encourage you to make sure that your child attends school every day.

In accordance with federal laws, MPS does not collect or release information about students’ immigration status. If for some reason an inquiry is made, it will be referred to the Department of Student Services.

You can find immigration resources on the MPS website at mpsmke.com/safehaven. If you have any additional questions, please contact your child’s principal and/or the Department of Student Services.

Thank you for entrusting your child to Milwaukee Public Schools.

More Information

If you have any questions, please contact:

Mari Ornelas, Secretary
Email: ornelamc@milwaukee.k12.wi.us
Phone: (414) 475-8439
Languages spoken: English and Spanish

Diana Rivas, Secretary
Email: rivasdx@milwaukee.k12.wi.us
Phone: (414) 475-8032
Languages spoken: English and Spanish

Lau Compliance Center
Phone: (414) 475-8525
Languages spoken: English, Spanish, Farsi

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