Community members express concerns over ICE at schools

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Outraged community members and parents are voicing their concerns about ICE agents on campus ahead of the start of class for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

Nearly a dozen people shared their fears, worries and opinions on how CMS leaders should handle ICE agents at schools. The speeches were passionate and loud. At one point, a protest broke out, which ended with an officer escorting a woman out of the meeting chambers.

“ICE agents shouldn’t be allowed inside school under any circumstance,” said one woman.

Nine people spoke out against Immigration and Customs Enforcement being able to have a presence at schools during Tuesday night’s CMS board meeting.

“Students should never have to wonder whether walking into school may lead to them being torn apart from their family,” said one man.

Some were parents who were worried about how potential raids would affect students.

“How will our children be traumatized if and when they witness a teacher, family member or God forbid, one of their friends taken from school by ICE,” said Dr. Emily Wheeler.

One former student referenced the reported ICE activity down the road from Charlotte East Language Academy in mid-May.

“How does that promote an environment where kids can do their best and learn,” said another man. “All that promotes is an environment of fear and paranoia.”

Board members responded to the concerns later in the meeting.

“Our schools are safe,” said Gregory “Dee” Rankin. “There are protocols that are put in place and ICE can’t just come and set up on our campuses.”

The district’s legal team created a webinar this summer to help principals understand what to do if agents come to campus. The rules say agents are only allowed in public areas like parking lots and front lobbies. They can’t go into classrooms unless they have a warrant.

“We’ve had long conversations about ICE and how it impacts students, and I can tell you that everyone here deeply cares,” said CMS board member Liz Monterrey Duvall. “We didn’t create this. It comes from the federal and state, and that’s where our anger and frustration should go.”

Ahead of the start of school Aug. 25, district leaders emphasized that all children can attend public school regardless of citizenship status, and they will continue to follow the laws and policies protecting students’ privacy.

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