Educators and Unions File Emergency Motion to Halt ICE in Sensitive Areas

Educators and Healthcare Workers File Emergency Motion Against ICE Operations

EUGENE, Ore.— The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the National Education Association (NEA) have initiated a legal push to curb Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) activities in areas designated as sensitive locations. This action is part of the ongoing PCUN v. Noem case. An emergency motion was filed to halt ICE’s unrestricted operations around schools and healthcare facilities.

The motion was bolstered by testimony from over 60 educators and healthcare professionals spanning 18 states. These individuals, representing more than 4 million union members, described the negative impact of ICE presence on their work environments and the communities they serve.

Randi Weingarten, President of AFT, emphasized, “Our schools, hospitals and churches should be sacrosanct. But ICE’s unfettered access to these sensitive places is traumatizing communities and making it nearly impossible for AFT members to do our work as educators, healthcare workers and public service professionals.”

NEA President Becky Pringle stated, “All students, regardless of race, place of birth, or language they speak, deserve schools that are safe, welcoming, and free from fear—no exceptions. Families trust educators and schools to protect children. ICE does not belong in or near our schools.”

Stephen W Manning, Executive Director of Innovation Law Lab, remarked, “It is an upside-down world when masked, armed agents swarm hospitals and schoolyards, fly drones over elementary schools during pick-up, step between nurses and their patients, or snatch kids and families seeking care at the emergency room.”

The legal case, PCUN v. Noem, was originally filed in April 2025 and challenges the federal administration’s decision to revoke protections for sensitive locations. It alleges violations of the First Amendment, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, and the Administrative Procedure Act.

For additional details on PCUN v. Noem and related legal documents, visit here.

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The AFT represents 1.8 million pre-K through 12th-grade teachers; paraprofessionals and other school-related personnel; higher education faculty and professional staff; federal, state and local government employees; nurses and healthcare workers; and early childhood educators.