Glacier Middle School in SeaTac was briefly placed in a Secure status Wednesday morning, Feb. 4, after reports of nearby federal vehicles, though school officials said there was no confirmed threat to students or staff and no immigration enforcement presence on campus.

According to Highline Public Schools, the action followed a student led walkout that began around 10:45 a.m., when a group of students left campus and walked to North SeaTac Park.

District officials said the walkout was not sponsored by the school or district, but staff were aware of the plans and prepared to supervise students and maintain safety.

The district said the students were peaceful and calm and followed road safety signs as they walked.

At the end of the walkout, an individual reported seeing two U.S. Customs and Border Patrol vehicles driving in the neighborhood. Out of caution, staff initiated the Secure protocol. School officials emphasized there was no confirmed presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on campus and no threat to safety.

In a message to families, the district stated that a Secure is not a Lockdown and is part of the school’s Standard Response Protocol.

“Out of an abundance of caution, the Secure protocol was initiated. There was no confirmed presence of ICE on our campus, and there was no threat to student or staff safety at our school,” the district said.

District leaders encouraged families to talk with students about remaining on campus during the school day, saying staying on school grounds helps staff keep students safe. Staff will also debrief and review procedures to ensure responses to safety reports follow established protocols.

The district acknowledged that federal immigration actions can create anxiety for families and said schools are committed to remaining safe and welcoming for every student. Families were advised to report concerns to the school office or Community Safety at (206) 631-7600 and to avoid sharing unverified information that could cause confusion.

Highline Policy 4300 outlines steps staff follow if federal immigration enforcement comes to schools, and additional resources are available on the district’s immigrant and refugee support webpage.

Here’s the district’s full statement sent out to families:

“As previously communicated, a student-led walkout took place today at school. As shared, the walkout was not district or school sponsored, and was student led. We were aware of these plans and prepared to ensure student safety and supervision throughout the event.  

“Around 10:45 a.m., a group of students left campus and walked to North SeaTac Park. They were peaceful and calm, following all road safety signs.  

“At the end of the walkout, an individual observed two U.S. Customs & Board Patrol vehicles driving in the neighborhood and reported it to school staff. Out of an abundance of caution, the Secure protocol was initiated. There was no confirmed presence of ICE on our campus, and there was no threat to student or staff safety at our school. 

“Please help by talking with your student about the importance of staying on campus during the school day. Remaining on campus helps us keep students safe. 

“We will be debriefing with staff to review procedures and ensure we continue to response to safety reports following our Standard Response Protocol.  

“We understand that federal immigration actions can create anxiety in our community. We are committed to ensuring our schools remain safe and welcoming for every student.

“If you hear something concerning, contact the school office or report it to Community Safety at 206-631-7600.  

“Sharing unverified information can lead to unnecessary panic and confusion. We encourage students, staff and families to help us maintain a safe and informed school community by confirming facts before sharing.  

“Highline Policy 4300 outlines strict guidelines staff follow should Federal Immigration Enforcement (ICE) come to our schools. Find these steps and more resources on our immigrant and refugee resources webpage. 

“Student safety is always our first priority. We take immediate action on any incident or report of a threat. We encourage students to report any safety concerns they may have.“