Pennsylvania Democrats Propose Bills to Restrict Immigration Enforcement in Schools
Democratic lawmakers file bills requiring warrants for immigration agents to access most school property and banning sharing of student information.
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA — Democratic lawmakers in Pennsylvania have introduced legislation to restrict federal immigration enforcement activities at K-12 schools throughout the state.
The identical bills, filed in both the state House and Senate, would require school districts to adopt policies preventing staff from allowing federal immigration agents or assisting local law enforcement onto most school property without a signed judicial warrant. House Bill 2148 has attracted 41 Democratic co-sponsors, while Senate Bill 1125 has garnered support from 12 Democratic lawmakers.
Warrant Requirements and Access Restrictions
Under the proposed legislation, immigration agents would only be allowed to enter designated public areas of school facilities, such as lobbies. School staff would need to deny access to other areas of the property, including locations where students board or exit buses and cars, unless agents present a valid warrant.
The bills would also require school personnel to request identification and contact information from any agent seeking entry to school grounds. Districts would be required to provide annual training on these policies and establish disciplinary procedures for staff members who violate the requirements.
Information Sharing Restrictions
The measures would prohibit school personnel from sharing students’ identifying information with federal agents or law enforcement for immigration enforcement purposes. This ban would extend to sensitive details such as students’ bus routes and family immigration status.
The legislation comes as the Trump administration has expanded immigration enforcement activities nationwide since returning to office in January 2025. The proposed Pennsylvania bills are part of a broader effort by Democratic-led states to limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities in educational settings.
Both pieces of legislation are authored and co-sponsored by Democratic lawmakers, with no Republican support listed on either measure. The bills would need to advance through committee processes in both chambers before reaching floor votes.
If enacted, the legislation would make Pennsylvania one of several states to implement formal protections limiting immigration enforcement activities on school grounds, as educators and advocates argue such activities can disrupt learning environments and deter immigrant families from sending children to school.
