Responding to ICE at the Library: Real World Approaches

Available free to ALA individual members

When agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enter a public library, staff need to know how to respond calmly, lawfully, and in ways that keep everyone safe. This on-demand webinar highlights how libraries of different sizes and in different communities are navigating these situations in real life. Presenters share how their libraries are approaching staff training, handling interactions, and ensuring everything is done professionally and legally. This on-demand webinar, sponsored by PLA’s Committee on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice, was designed to offer practical, real-world perspectives.

Recorded live on February 24, 2026.

Registration is free, but ALA individual membership is required. Nonmembers can purchase access to this on-demand webinar.

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of this on-demand webinar, participants will be able to:

• Understand at least four ways libraries are successfully preparing for and responding to ICE encounters, with examples from three library systems representing a range of communities;
• Know practical steps to ensure responses are clear, consistent, and lawful, prioritizing staff and patron safety; and
• Use strategies for training and communication that help staff feel supported and confident in real-world situations.

Who Should Attend

This on-demand webinar, available free to ALA individual members, is intended for all public library staff and trustees. Nonmembers can purchase access to this on-demand webinar.

Panelists

Scott Duimstra (he/him) has worked in public libraries for over twenty years, with the last twelve years in library administration. Originally from Michigan, he obtained his MSI from the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor. His work has allowed him to focus on library services, library facility planning, and strategic initiatives. In October 2023, Scott became the library director for Hennepin County Library (HCL) in Minnesota, where he directs library operations for HCL’s forty-one libraries.

Kimberly B. Knight (she/her) has served in public libraries in California, the District of Columbia (DC), Maryland, and Virginia. She served as an ALA councilor-at-large, president of the Virginia Library Association (VLA), and on the executive boards of the DC Library Association (DCLA) and the California Librarian’s Black Caucus (CLBC). She chaired the Public Libraries Advisory Group, participated in National Library Legislative Days, IMLS grant reviews, and presented at various conferences. She is currently a member of the Public Library Association’s (PLA) Committee on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice and the PLA Conference Programming Subcommittee.

Jocelyne Sansing (she/her) is a big vision, responsible risk taker, and disruptive thinker who is passionate about changing lives through access to quality information. She takes an entrepreneurial approach to redefining customer service, workplace culture, and the user experience. Jocelyne has worked in public libraries in Montana, Colorado, Wisconsin, and currently serves as the director of the Middleton, WI Public Library. She holds an MLS in Library and Information Science and a BA in English Literature from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, with certificates in Folklore and Creative Writing.

Important Registration Information

An ALA eLearning account is required to register for access to this on-demand webinar. Don’t have an account? Create one for free by going to the “Log in” menu located at the top right corner of your screen. Although no membership is required to create the account, you must be an ALA individual member to register for this on-demand webinar. Nonmembers can purchase access to this on-demand webinar. If you encounter any issues registering for this event, then please email ce@ala.org for assistance.

Accommodations

This on-demand webinar is closed captioned in English (United States).

If you have a physical or communication need that may affect your access to this on-demand webinar, please contact us at plawebinars@ala.org or 800-545-2433 ext. 5PLA (5752) prior to registering so we can attempt to provide appropriate accommodations.

Tech Requirements

To play this on-demand webinar you should use a browser with native HTML5 support. Please use the most up-to-date version available of Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Opera, or Edge. A fast Internet connection and computer is recommended.

Contact

This webinar is presented by the Public Library Association (PLA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA).

If you have questions or problems accessing a recording, send a message to plawebinars@ala.org or call 800-545-2433 ext. 5PLA (5752).

PLA members make it possible for us to provide continuing education opportunities like this webinar at no cost. We thank our members for their continuous dedication to the advancement of the public library field and our association.