CHULA VISTA, Calif. (FOX5/KUSI) — A parent was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents after a morning drop-off outside a Chula Vista elementary school on Wednesday.
The Chula Vista Elementary School District confirmed that the arrest happened outside of school property near Enrique S. Camarena Elementary.
“This morning, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted an arrest involving an adult outside one of our schools, not on school property, during morning drop-off,” Giovanna Castro, communications director for CVESD, said. “The district remains committed to reassuring families that CVESD remains a safe space for all students.”
ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Following the incident, CVESD Superintendent Eduardo Reyes shared a message to families and staff to reassure them that the district serves all students, “regardless of citizenship or immigration status.”
“We have strong protocols in place to prevent unauthorized access to our schools,” Reyes said. “This includes limiting access to law enforcement officials, who are not permitted to interact with students unless there is an immediate threat to school safety, such as an active emergency or a signed warrant by a judge.”
Reyes shared with families a list of resources listed on the CVESD website and said that families should have a plan in place in the event they are unable to pick a student up.
“Our commitment is to your students’ safety, education, and well-being,” Reyes said. “Please contact your child’s front office if you have any questions or need support.”
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