Woodland Joint Unified School District Superintendent Elodia Ortega-Lampkin and Woodland Police Department Chief Ryan Kinnan recently addressed concerns about immigration enforcement in the community and schools via a video on Facebook.

“We know there are concerns about immigration officers coming to our community and our schools,” Superintendent Ortega-Lampkin said.

“We want to reassure you that we are working closely together to keep our schools and our community safe for everyone, regardless of immigration status,” Chief Kinnan said.

In the video, Ortega-Lampkin highlighted that all students are safe to attend and go to school, as immigration officers are not allowed to enter any campus grounds without a warrant signed by a judge. She also goes on to mention that all students are guaranteed by federal law to have the right to free, public education regardless of their status.

Ortega-Lampkin then reassured that the students’ and families’ privacy is protected as the WJUSD does not collect or ask for the citizenship/immigration status or social security numbers.

“Under federal law, schools cannot share student records without parental consent, unless there is a valid judge order,” Ortega-Lampkin stated.

She then mentions that the district also has strong policies to safeguard all students, including a Policy and a Resolution from the Board of Trustees that is in support of equal educational opportunity for all students.

Chief Kinnan went on to talk about how the WPD is working to support the community.

“At the Woodland Police Department, our priority is ensuring the safety and the well-being of everyone in our community, regardless of immigration status. We are here to serve and protect all residents with professionalism, integrity, and compassion,” Kinnan stated.

According to the video, Kinnan mentioned that as part of California’s Value Act, SP 54, the police department does not ask anyone about their immigration status, ensuring that local law enforcement focuses on community safety rather than immigration enforcement. Kinnan ensures that the WPD does not participate in any immigration enforcement actions except as required by law.

“We want the community to know that if you need help, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We do not ask about immigration status or participate in immigration enforcement actions. We are here to help all victims; whether reporting a crime, asking for assistance, or simply talking with our officers, you will be treated with dignity and respect. No one should fear contacting the police when you really need help,” Kinnan said.

The WPD also has a community outreach program called UNIDOS, which focuses on outreach to the Spanish-speaking community, providing the opportunity to report crimes, learn more about victimization, and protect the community. For more information about this program, visit their Facebook page and website at https://www.cityofwoodland.gov/437/Unidos.

Click here to watch the full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meh2PuF3OBg.