LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The superintendent of the Lincoln Public Schools says he learned long ago to separate himself from the immigration debate and focus on children.

About 200 unaccompanied minors from Central America are now in Nebraska.

Some outraged lawmakers sent a letter to the federal government asking for their names and whereabouts.

For Lincoln Superintendent Steve Joel, the issue echoes his experience running the Grand Island Public Schools in 2006. About 165 students had relatives who were detained and 25 had two missing parents after a raid at a meatpacking plant.

Joel guaranteed then that the schools would be a safe haven, a decision he’s proud of.

His current district says it’s not aware of any unaccompanied minors, but if they come, Joel says they’ll be educated.