CMS Superintendent Addresses Concerns About Immigration Enforcement Near Schools

CHARLOTTE, NC – CMS Superintendent Ann Clark says she’s received assurances from ICE that immigration raids will not be conducted at bus stops or on school property.

“I just wanted to make sure the commitment they made to the school district was still the same,” Clark says.

Fears arose after reports students and staff witnessed arrests on the way to Berryhill School last week.

“We want our kids to be safe. We want school to be a place where kids can learn and know that when they’re there, they’re safe,” Clark says.

But many in the Latino community say there’s growing anxiousness surrounding all the arrests.

“There is more fear. At least I see that and there’s more uncertainty,” explains Oliver Merino.

Merino is a Charlotte undocumented immigrant currently protected under deferred action.

“People don’t know who to trust. They don’t know where they’re safe. And that, I think is different,” Merino says. “It has a different feeling from two years ago, when also refugee kids from Central America were picked up close to their bus stops.”

ICE maintains it only conducts targeted enforcement. Social media speculation led them to release a statement that says, “Agency policy generally precludes enforcement at schools, churches, and other designated sensitive locations.”

Bryon Martinez with Unidos We Stand says he’s worried that law enforcement has become too emboldened, arresting people for minor offenses.

“You have a lot of police officers that are taking these people in. And they’re going to process them at the jail and under the 287(g) program, that’s the one that works with the Department of Homeland Security,” Martinez says.