Community leaders and public officials have voiced sharp criticism over two recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations conducted near educational institutions, labeling the actions as cruel and exploitative. According to the San Diego Community College District, federal agents detained one individual near San Diego City College on Wednesday while chasing another person directly onto the campus premises.
In a separate enforcement action in Chollas Creek, ICE officers reportedly took two parents into custody as they were dropping their child off at John Marshall Elementary School. "I am deeply troubled by reports that students and parents were detained without warning while trying to attend classes or bring kids to school," said Rep. "Schools are supposed to be a safe place for young people to learn.
Yet this administration exploits the places we trust most — schools, childcare facilities, hospitals, courthouses and places of worship. President Trump has turned these places into hunting grounds.” "Parents and children should not have to worry about ICE agents waiting outside a classroom or a doctor's office. That's why I led introduction of the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act, which would bar immigration enforcement within 1,000 feet of schools, hospitals and churches except in true emergencies.
I will also continue working with SDUSD and City College to make sure San Diegans have the resources they need to stay informed and protected." Mayor Todd Gloria echoed those concerns, condemning the disruption to family life. "No parent should have to fear being separated from their family simply for dropping their child off at school," he said. "Actions like these inflict fear and trauma far beyond those who are detained.
Children are left wondering whether their parents will come home. Families may become afraid to take their children to school. And educators are forced to help children navigate fear and uncertainty that no child should have to experience.
"This is cruel, unnecessary and counterproductive. It does nothing to make our communities safer." ABC10 reported that the Department of Homeland Security confirmed on Thursday the identities of the two parents arrested outside John Marshall Elementary as James Mervil and Josselene Polidor, stating they had overstayed their visas. Neither ICE nor DHS were immediately available to respond to requests for comment.
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