News Summary
A father’s detention by ICE while picking up his child from Linda Vista Elementary has ignited outrage. The incident raised concerns about the safety of students and the impact of immigration enforcement in sensitive locations. Following the arrest, the San Diego Unified School District expressed support for affected families, while community members voiced fears regarding immigration actions near schools. The event highlights ongoing tensions and the importance of protecting students’ rights amid enforcement actions.
San Diego – A father was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while he was waiting to pick up his child from Linda Vista Elementary School on August 14, 2025, triggering widespread outrage within the community. The incident unfolded around 3:10 PM, just minutes before the school dismissed students, causing distress among families and school staff present at the time.
The father’s arrest occurred near a church, approximately one block away from the school premises. Witnesses to the event reported that ICE agents forcibly removed the father from his vehicle, with one observer stating that agents struck the car and demanded the man exit. The presence of law enforcement in such a sensitive location has raised significant concerns about the impact on the local community.
In response to the incident, San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) Superintendent Dr. Fabiola Bagula expressed condemnation of ICE for choosing to carry out the arrest at such a critical time and location. She highlighted the trauma the event caused, particularly noting that a child was left without a guardian immediately after school dismissal. The child’s mother was contacted following the arrest and was able to retrieve her child from the school.
Principal Miriam Atlas confirmed that while no students witnessed the incident, several families did observe the altercation, leaving many shaken. As a precautionary measure, extra counseling support and resources were provided at the school to help students and families cope with the emotional fallout from the incident. Throughout the situation, the principal reassured parents that school grounds are considered safe spaces, emphasizing that ICE cannot access them without a proper warrant.
California laws affirm that schools are prohibited from inquiring about a student’s immigration status during the enrollment process. They also cannot share student records without parental consent or a court order, guidelines aimed at protecting the rights of students from immigration enforcement actions.
The SDUSD Board President Cody Petterson criticized the circumstances of the arrest, voicing concerns that such actions create an atmosphere of fear that might deter parents from picking their children up from school. Following the incident, several students chose not to attend school the following day due to heightened anxiety within the community as a result of the event.
Community members have voiced apprehension regarding the repercussions that immigration enforcement can have on families, particularly regarding the safety and well-being of children during school activities. Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin later clarified that the operation targeted Juan Jose Martinez Cortes, identified as an illegal alien utilizing someone else’s Social Security number. McLaughlin underscored that ICE did not specifically focus on the school, and the arrest occurred off of school grounds.
A letter was distributed to parents to inform them of the incident while underscoring the district’s commitment to supporting students and their families. This event follows a similar detainment of a parent just days earlier outside another educational institution, suggesting a troubling trend of immigration enforcement near schools.
Recognizing the significance of these events, the SDUSD has previously implemented programs to support immigrant families, providing resources and information regarding rights when interacting with law enforcement. The district continues to strive toward creating and maintaining a secure educational environment, ensuring the wellbeing of all students amidst the challenges posed by immigration enforcement.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
ICE Detains Parent Near Elementary School, Causing Community Alarm
Concerns Arise Over ICE Detentions Outside San Diego Shelters
Additional Resources
- NBC San Diego
- Wikipedia: Immigration enforcement in the United States
- Fox 5 San Diego
- Google Search: ICE arrest near school
- CBS 8
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration
- 10 News
- Google News: ICE arrest Linda Vista
- Times of San Diego
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
