News Summary
A parent was detained by ICE while waiting for their child at Linda Vista Elementary School, igniting fear among families in the community. The operation targeted an undocumented immigrant accused of using a false social security number. While no students were present during the incident, the event has led to concerns over safety and family participation in school activities. School officials are implementing measures to support affected families as the situation continues to develop.
San Diego, CA – A parent was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while waiting to pick up their child from Linda Vista Elementary School on Thursday afternoon, creating a wave of fear within the community. The incident unfolded around 3:10 p.m., just prior to school dismissal, as agents conducted an operation aimed at arresting Juan Jose Martinez Cortes, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico.
Video footage from a witness captures the moment when three federal agents approached a red sedan less than a block away from the school, forcibly removing Martinez from the vehicle. The witness described the situation as unsettling, noting that the man appeared confused and questioned the reasons behind his detainment. The operation targeted Martinez because he was using another person’s social security number fraudulently. Prior to this event, Martinez had been arrested by ICE on August 14 and was already facing removal proceedings.
Linda Vista Elementary School Principal Miriam Atlas informed parents that the arrest was witnessed by multiple families; however, no students were present at the time of the incident. Meanwhile, San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) Superintendent Dr. Fabiola Bagula conveyed that Martinez expressed concerns for his child’s well-being during the arrest. Thankfully, the child’s mother was contacted and was able to pick up the child from school shortly thereafter.
The incident has caused significant anxiety among the school’s community, with many parents indicating they now fear bringing their children to or from school, concerned they might face similar detentions. Following the event, some students chose not to attend school the next day, demonstrating a heightened climate of fear among families. Parents expressed worries that such actions would deter them from actively participating in the school system, with potential consequences for student attendance.
In response to the situation, SDUSD Board President Cody Petterson mentioned that the board is considering options like virtual learning and enhanced transportation methods for affected students. Furthermore, school administrators have been reminded of existing policies regarding interactions with federal authorities to protect the school environment.
Extra officers and counselors have been assigned to Linda Vista Elementary School to address the fears and questions arising from the arrest. The district’s Equity Division is also providing resources to help families understand their rights, which are available on campus for support. Superintendent Bagula pointed out that the impact of this event extends beyond a single family, spreading widespread anxiety among both students and staff members.
The detention has drawn criticism from SDUSD Board Member Sabrina Bazzo, who characterized the actions taken near schools as “unacceptable.” The incident highlights a growing trend of heightened immigration enforcement activities taking place close to educational institutions, coinciding with recent changes in federal immigration policies.
Principal Atlas reassured families that school grounds are regarded as safe spaces, stating that ICE agents cannot enter without a properly signed warrant. This incident underscores the San Diego Unified School District’s commitment to providing a welcoming environment for all students, reaffirmed by a resolution passed in December aimed at supporting immigrant families.
The apprehension experienced by the school community in the wake of this event is significant, emphasizing a need for ongoing discussions and assurances regarding safety and security in educational settings. As the situation develops, the district and local authorities continue to address these concerns while fortifying support systems within the school.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 5 San Diego
- Wikipedia: Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- NBC San Diego
- Google Search: ICE detention near schools
- CBS 8
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration
- Times of San Diego
- Google Scholar: Immigration enforcement near schools
- San Diego Union-Tribune
- Google News: San Diego School District ICE
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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.
