A Tempe middle school community is reeling after a parent and their eighth-grade son were picked up by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Tuesday and transported to the Dilley immigration processing center in South Texas, according to local and congressional sources. The detention has forced Shamley School to alter plans for its May 28 promotion ceremony and has stirred anxiety among students and families.
According to ABC15, Representative Greg Stanton posted on X about the incident and said the family should be "home celebrating" their son's promotion instead of being held in federal detention. Texas Representative Joaquin Castro also shared on X that the mother and son had arrived in San Antonio after being taken to the Dilley processing center. ABC15 reports that Shamley Principal Bronwyn Sternberg notified families that the detention happened off school property, that agents did not enter campus, and that the parent had already signed the student out before the encounter.
School updates and schedule
According to Shamley School, the campus calendar lists the 8th Grade Promotion for May 28, 8:30–9:30 a.m., and identifies Bronwyn Sternberg as the school's principal. The school's main page also provides a contact number for families who want information or clarification from the front office.
Dilley transfer draws federal scrutiny
The South Texas family processing center in Dilley, where the Tempe family was reportedly sent, has been under the microscope from members of Congress and immigration advocates. Reporting by KSAT and the Associated Press has detailed lawmakers touring the facility and raising concerns about conditions for families held there.
What families should know
The Tempe Elementary School District told ABC15 that it respects students' right to protest but that any student who leaves campus will be marked absent unless properly signed out by a parent. The district also said additional security will be present for the promotion ceremony. Families with questions can call Shamley at (480) 941-2440 or check the school calendar for updates.
The situation remains fluid, and neither ICE nor a district official has yet released a detailed public account of the immigration action or the family's immigration status. This story will be updated as official statements become available.
