HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — The Harrisonburg City Public School system has issued a letter publicly opposing Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in the area.

The School Board says that ICE’s recent actions have heightened fear and uncertainty in the community and has prompted the body to openly condemn immigration activities that “create fear, disrupt family stability, and undermine students’ ability to learn and thrive.”

The letter is bookended by a message to immigrant families that reads: “You belong here. Your children belong here.”

The Board states that they remain committed to protecting student privacy, following the law, and ensuring that Harrisonburg’s schools are safe for all children.