McHenry Times

Cary Community Consolidated School District, located in McHenry County, has officially declared itself a "Safe Zone," for illegal alien students and their families. 

The school district made the announcement in a Jan. 28 letter sent to the school community from Superintendent Brandon C. White, Ph.D.

“Today, we want to reaffirm our commitment to all the families we serve, including those who may face unique challenges due to their immigration status,” White said in the letter. 

White framed the stance as being based on “inclusion” and “equity.”

"Our school district has taken steps to formally establish itself as a Safe Zone, a designation that underscores our dedication to protecting and supporting undocumented students and their families," the letter read. "This decision is rooted in the belief that every child, regardless of their background, deserves access to education without fear or discrimination."

“Every child in this country has the right to an education, as affirmed by the Supreme Court in Plyler v. Doe,” the letter explains. 

Plyler v. Doe is a 1982 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that found denying illegal alien children the right to attend public school violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

The Court determined that these children, who cannot control their parents' immigration status, should not be punished for their parents' actions.

As part of his platform in the 2024 election, President Donald Trump vowed mass deportation of undocumented immigrants, many of whom have arrived in Illinois either on their own or through bussing programs set up by border states.

After taking office for his second term on Jan. 20, Trump began the deportation process, starting with illegal aliens accused of crimes.

McHenry County voted overwhelmingly for Trump in 2020, with 51.9% of the vote, while Vice President Kamala Harris received 46.6%, according to AP-certified results.

Under the Biden administration, an estimated 7.2 million illegal aliens entered the U.S. since 2021, a number surpassing the population of 36 U.S. states.

According to the Center for Immigration Studies, Illinois is now home to the fifth-largest population of illegal aliens in the U.S., with approximately 530,000 living in the state due to its sanctuary status and access to public benefits.

Illinois taxpayers have spent an estimated $2.84 billion on services for illegal immigrants since July 2022, excluding education costs and other local services.

Republican lawmakers have criticized these rising expenses, arguing that taxpayer funds are being diverted from essential programs for Illinois residents.