U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested a parent outside Enrique S. Camarena Elementary School in Chula Vista, authorities confirmed Thursday.
The Wednesday arrest happened during the morning drop-off period. Cell phone footage captured by bystanders and posted online showed federal agents approaching a vehicle on the street.
Patrick Divver, field officer director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in San Diego, said in a statement issued Thursday that a woman who who was arrested had been ordered to be deported in absentia by a San Diego immigration judge in 2022.
“The arrest was part of ICE’s ongoing enforcement efforts and was resolved promptly, safely and not on the school grounds. The school was not involved in the incident, and there was no impact on students, staff or the school premises,” Divver said.
The arrest prompted Chula Vista Elementary School District Superintendent Eduardo Reyes to inform families and staff in a letter that protocols were in place preventing unauthorized access to schools and limiting law enforcement officials from interacting with students unless there’s an active emergency or warrant.
“We understand this may cause concern, and we want to reassure you that our schools remain safe spaces for all students,” Reyes wrote.
Reyes recommended that families create a plan for the district to care for their children “in the event that you are unable to pick them up or drop them off due to unforeseen circumstances.”
His letter continued, “The Chula Vista Elementary School District is committed to serving every student, regardless of citizenship or immigration status.”
