Portland Community Rallies to Support Students Amidst ICE Concerns
PORTLAND, Ore. – Two north Portland schools, Cesar Chavez School and George Middle school, implemented increased security measures Thursday morning following reports of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in teh surrounding area. Portland Public Schools (PPS) initiated a “Secure the Perimeter” protocol at both schools,locking exterior doors and moving all activities indoors while maintaining regular class schedules. The district stated the precaution was taken to ensure the safety of students and staff.
As school dismissal approached, approximately 100 community members gathered around the cesar Chavez campus to observe for ICE presence and support families. The gathering was coordinated wiht the school administration to facilitate safe passage for students and parents.
“I wanted to ensure our community felt safe and that children could travel to and from school without fear for themselves or their families,” said Lydia Heye, a local resident. “Seeing so many people already here was incredibly encouraging and makes me proud to be a Portlander.”
Honor Mosely, a long-time resident and daycare provider near Cesar Chavez School, echoed the sentiment, stating, “Kids should feel safe at school. I work with children from all cultures, and I will protect them.”
While Cesar Chavez and George Middle School enacted the “Secure the Perimeter” protocol, other nearby schools – Astor, James John, Roosevelt, and Sitton - maintained ”heightened situational awareness,” with PPS Security Services staff deployed to monitor the situation.
PPS acknowledged the anxiety that reports of ICE activity can cause for immigrant families,reaffirming its commitment to a supportive learning surroundings for all students,nonetheless of immigration status. The district emphasized its policy of not sharing student or family information with the Department of Homeland Security without a valid warrant and provided families with a list of immigrant rights resources.
FOX 12 has contacted ICE for comment regarding the reported activity and will provide updates as information becomes available.
