News Summary
A father was detained by ICE while waiting to pick up his child from Linda Vista Elementary School, causing fear among families and concern from school officials. The incident highlighted the vulnerability of students and the ongoing community worries surrounding immigration enforcement near educational institutions. School administrators are reassured families that their educational rights are protected in California, while efforts to support affected students and families are being implemented. Parents express rising anxiety over their children’s safety during school pick-up and drop-off times.
San Diego, CA – A father, identified as Juan Jose Martinez Cortes, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on August 14, 2025, while waiting to pick up his child from Linda Vista Elementary School around 3:10 PM PDT. The incident took place near the school, prompting significant community outrage and fear among families as multiple witnesses saw the event just prior to the dismissal bell. The father expressed concerns for his child’s safety during the encounter with law enforcement.
Following the detention, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) contacted Linda Vista Elementary Principal Dr. Miriam Atlas to inform her of the situation. The child’s mother was promptly notified and was able to pick up the child from school shortly afterward.
The San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) Superintendent Fabiola Bagula highlighted the vulnerability of the students, aged between 3 and 11, indicating that such traumatic events could negatively impact their emotional well-being. The principal of the school confirmed that immigration status is not a factor during enrollment, as California law mandates that all school-aged children must have access to education regardless of their immigration status.
Bagula reiterated the legal right of every child to attend public school in the United States and emphasized the district’s commitment to ensuring this right is protected. In light of the incident, it was reported that several students did not attend school the following day, reflecting the heightened anxiety and fear surrounding the situation.
CDistrict Board President Cody Petterson condemned the tactics employed by ICE, describing them as inhumane and likening the actions of the agents to intimidation. Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin stated that ICE did not specifically target the school, clarifying that the arrest occurred in a nearby parking lot and not on school grounds.
In response to the incident, Principal Atlas sent a letter to parents, assuring them that school grounds are designated safe spaces where ICE cannot operate without a proper warrant. After the detention, additional officers and counselors were deployed to the school to provide support for students and families who were affected by the incident.
Heightened concerns among parents have led some to consider the safety of their children when bringing them to school. Many expressed feelings of fear and uncertainty, with some contemplating picking up additional students out of worry. The San Diego Unified School District previously emphasized its dedication to fostering a safe and welcoming environment for all students and their families, and had taken steps to educate the community on their rights during interactions with law enforcement.
This incident comes amidst growing apprehension regarding ICE activities near schools in the San Diego area. The community’s fears about immigration enforcement targeting families during sensitive times like school drop-off and pickup have intensified, underlining the need for clarity and assurance regarding the safety of students and their families. As discussions continue about the balance between immigration enforcement and the protection of families, local districts are urged to reinforce their commitment to providing safe educational environments.
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Additional Resources
- NBC San Diego
- Wikipedia: Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- Fox 5 San Diego
- Google Search: immigration enforcement school
- CBS 8 San Diego
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration
- 10 News
- Google News: parent detained ICE Linda Vista
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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.
