‘No child should fear coming to school’: ICE present near school’s drop-off line, principal says

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV/Gray News) - The principal of a school in North Carolina addressed students and their families in a message after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was on the school’s campus in Charlotte Monday.

In the message, the principal of Charlotte East Language Academy (CELA) said ICE was present near the school’s drop-offline Monday, but did not provide any further information.

CELA is a full Spanish immersion magnet school for K-8 students.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) was reached for more information, but it could not say if any arrests were made.

Following the principal’s message, the CELA Parent Teacher Association posted a statement on Instagram that called on CMS to “take a clear, public stance regarding ICE enforcement.”

“Our students deserve safety, dignity, and peace of mind -- regardless of immigration status,” the statement reads in part. “School boards hold the power -- and the responsibility -- to create and uphold policies that protect our children and ensure schools remain safe, ive spaces for every student. No child should fear coming to school. No family should feel invisible.”

Rep. Jordan Lopez of the 112th House District, which covers part of Mecklenburg County, released a statement siding with the PTA.

“I stand with the Parent Teacher Association at CELA and ask the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Board to take immediate action to ensure the safety of our students and their families. We should not tolerate anything less than a safe and ive environment for all,” the statement reads in part.

ICE’s appearance at CELA comes as President Donald Trump continues to order mass deportations across the country.

The White House said 139,000 people have been deported between Trump taking office and April 28.

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