CMS leaders, parents react to ICE activity near campus ...Middle East

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools leaders and families are expressing concerns after spotting Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents near a campus.

The ICE activity happened not far from the drop-off area at Charlotte East Language Academy, which sparked fears in some parents who bring their children to the school every day.

"I can't imagine bringing your child to school and being taken away," said Eliana Lugo, a parent.

Lugo was one of dozens of parents in line to pick up their children from school a day after learning ICE agents were spotted not far from campus at the beginning of this week.

"Heartbreaking, it really is," she said. "I have a kindergartener here and she's 6 and I'm not sure how to explain that to her yet."

The mom heard about it through the principal of Charlotte East Language Academy, who sent out a message to parents confirming ICE's presence, saying in part, "We understand that this may cause concern within our community. Please know that the safety, well-being, and dignity of our students and families are our top priority."

Daniel Perrine is one of the many parents who are upset.

"I thought it was pretty devastating," he said. "This is one of those schools where it's got a lot of diversity and people coming together. It just seemed like a pretty horrible thing, horrible timing, you know, kids all around. Just didn't seem right."

The school's PTA put out a statement on social media, urging the school board to take a stance on ice enforcement.

It read in part, "No child should fear coming to school. No family should feel invisible. Now is the time for leadership that reflects the values of our community."

Board of Education Member Melissa Easley issued her own statement in response, saying in part, "While CMS has guidance in place for how schools respond to ICE activity, that guidance stops at the school property line. The law limits what we can do beyond that line — and that's the problem."

Queen City News has reached out to ICE to get more information on what agents were doing in the area and whether there was an arrest made in connection. We're told a spokesperson is working on my request.

QCNEWS.COM