Federal ICE agents took parents into custody near a school bus drop-off location in Ypsilanti, Michigan, prompting concern from the community and local officials, the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office said. Sheriff Alyshia Dyer said the operation was “targeted” and occurred during student drop-off times, affecting families connected to local schools. “It appears that parents connected to local schools were targeted at a bus stop in Ypsilanti during student drop-off times,” Dyer said in a statement, as reported by FOX 2 Detroit.
Ypsilanti Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Alena Zachery-Ross said in a letter that the district is reaffirming its policy of not voluntarily cooperating with ICE without a judicial warrant, while also advising students to walk in groups or use trusted carpools as a safety precaution. She emphasized the district’s commitment to protecting students and ensuring access to education, stating, “We will continue to advocate for your safety, your dignity, and your right to an education free from fear,” according to CBS News Detroit.
Details about the ICE operation remain limited, with Sheriff Dyer saying the agency provided no advance notice, leading to confusion and fear among families and the community. He emphasized the impact on students, stating, "Children deserve to feel safe traveling to and from school, and actions like these can undermine that sense of security and cause lasting harm," while noting the sheriff’s office is working to support immigrant families regardless of status, as per FOX 2 Detroit.
State Sen. Jeff Irwin also criticized the operation, warning about the fear such actions create in sensitive places like schools and churches. He said, "People shouldn't be afraid to go to school or church without facing detainment or worse from untrained, reckless, and unaccountable federal agents," as Ypsilanti Community Schools reaffirmed their role as a safe sanctuary and officials shared the WICIR hotline for immigration-related assistance, as mentioned by CBS News Detroit.
