As students made their way into Eastern Middle School in Silver Spring Wednesday morning, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents wearing masks pulled a car over, chased and tackled two occupants and then handcuffed them “as horrified children, caregivers and school staff watched,” said Montgomery County Councilmember Kristen Mink. “[I am] deeply saddened and disturbed by the actions federal agents took,” she added.
The incident occurred shortly after 8 a.m.
“We cannot, must not, and will not normalize an event like this, which leaves marks on the souls of, not only those having loved ones violently ripped from them, but on those who witness it—especially children—especially those who know their loved ones may be at risk of being kidnapped in such a manner,” Mink wrote on social media.
Tuesday, Mink held her third informational session for Montgomery County Public Schools employees on best ways to protect students and schools from ICE.
Council Vice President Will Jawando also was at the meeting, which was held in partnership with Montgomery County Education Association, SEIU Local 500 and the Montgomery County Association of Administrators and Principals.
Montgomery County Immigrant Rights Coalition (MoCo IRC) and Students For Asylum and Immigration Reform (Students F.A.I.R.) led the session, in which hundreds of administrators, paraeducators, teachers, bus drivers and maintenance workers attended, according to Mink.
“Together, we do have tools to slow ICE down and protect each other, and to make clear that in Montgomery County, we stand with our neighbors in both words and actions — against those who attempt to terrorize them,” Mink wrote on social media.
During the council’s Education and Culture Committee meeting Wednesday, Mink said that ICE is conducting detentions in front of schools.
“They are happening,” said Mink. “Just yesterday morning, we had students, caretakers and staff witness something that many are finding to be quite traumatic,” she said. “It is undeniable that events like what happened yesterday cause a traumatic ripple effect, could have a chilling effect, if we do not react in a way that acknowledges and enhances the sense of safety and security as much as possible and helps children and adults work through what has just happened,” said Mink.
Peter Moran, MCPS chief of staff, responded that school staff “care deeply” and want to keep all students safe. He said the school district has a plan on what to do, which includes having counselors and social workers available to speak with students who are troubled.
Superintendent Thomas Taylor, Ed.D., previously explained in a message to families that schools are safe, and MCPS does not ask about immigration status.
