San Diego lawmakers push back on immigration enforcement near schools

By Fox 5 San Diego

Democratic lawmakers are pushing back against immigration enforcement near San Diego schools – calling for changes and working to make sure people know their rights.  

“Schools are supposed to be places, safe places for young people to learn but this administration is exploiting the places we trust most and turning them into hunting grounds,” said Congressman Scott Peters, (D) CA-50. His remarks during “Know Your Rights” virtual training Tuesday targeted immigration enforcement tactics.  

Federal data shows a rise in ICE arrests across the region over the past year with some encounters near schools throughout the county.  

Recent actions near Hamilton Elementary and San Diego City College have sparked public outcry including from congressional leaders. 

“It really is immoral. It’s unacceptable and we shouldn’t stand for it. Everyone has constitutional rights when interacting with ICE or law enforcement regardless of your immigration status,” said Congressman Juan Vargas, (D) CA-52. 

Vargas joined his fellow U.S. House lawmaker and non-profit and legal partners for the webinar Tuesday in response to ICE activity in sensitive locations. 

“Movement of families from home to school in a drop offline, at a bus stop, has turned into an area of enforcement not just in California but across the country that we’re seeing as a regular tactic,” said Alida Garcia with Kids Belong in Classrooms. 

In response, a DHS spokesperson shared the following statement with FOX5/KUSI: 

“ICE does not target schools. This is just another false narrative to try and demonize our brave ICE law enforcement who are facing a 1,300% increase in assaults against them and an 8,000% increase in death threats. ICE is not going to schools to arrest children—we are protecting children. Criminals are no longer able to hide in America’s schools to avoid arrest. The Trump Administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement and instead trusts them to use common sense. If a dangerous illegal alien felon were to flee into a school, or a child sex offender is working as an employee, there may be a situation where an arrest is made to protect public safety. But this has not happened. Every day, ICE enforces the laws of the nation across the country. DHS law enforcement methods abide by the U.S. Constitution including the Fourth Amendment.” 

In a letter, six California lawmakers are calling on DHS to stop ICE enforcement activity near schools in San Diego County. They said the enforcement activity raises concerns about student and family safety.