A troubling episode unfolded yesterday in east Charlotte, where a man was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as he was on the verge of dropping his child off at Charlotte East Language Academy. The apprehension occurred around 8:20 a.m. at the intersection of Albemarle Road and Jenkins Drive, approximately half a mile from the school, as reported by WFAE. Although the man's identity and the reasons behind his detention are presently undisclosed, the incident has sparked a calling among parents at the school for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Board to respond.
According to Marilyn Gomez, the school's PTA president, the proximity of the ICE operation to the school grounds has raised considerable concern. She was witness to arrest while dropping off her own child and has reached out to fellow parents who also observed the event. "The concern is that this shouldn’t happen so close to a school," Gomez told WFAE. Their anxieties echo through the community, pressing for reassurances from educational authorities.
The principal of Charlotte East Language Academy sent out a communication to parents, acknowledging the presence of ICE near the school's drop-off line and reiterated the institution's commitment to the security and dignity of students and families, as detailed in a statement obtained by WCCB Charlotte. Meanwhile, a CMS spokesperson did not confirm any arrests but emphasized the ongoing efforts to ensure that the school remains a supportive environment for all children.
"Students deserve safety, dignity, and peace of mind—regardless of immigration status," the PTA stated, urging the school board to take "a clear, public stance regarding ICE enforcement." The PTA's statement was also echoed in reporting by WSOCTV, which notes that the school's board holds the power to create and enforce policies ensuring schools are safe spaces for all students.
