LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Holland Public Schools Superintendent Brian Davis faces backlash from civil rights advocates because he met with federal immigration authorities and gave controversial advice to school staff about potential deportations.
The Detroit News reports that Davis told district staff March 3 that residents must open the door when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials knock, which civil rights groups discourage unless ICE agents have a warrant.
Davis said this week he asked ICE in the meeting to find out how schools might be involved in deportations.
His meeting prompted a March 31 letter from two civil rights advocates warning the government and school officials across Michigan about the potential for schools to be influenced by President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement initiatives.
A 2010 U.S. Census report says about 23 percent of Holland’s residents are Hispanic or Latino.
