Two schools in the Portland Public School District implemented emergency security measures last week to supposedly protect staff and students from raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. However, it was later revealed that no ICE operations were planned for the area.
César Chávez School and George Middle School in Portland, Oregon, initiated a “secure the perimeter” protocol last week due to supposed reports of ICE activity in North Portland, KATU 2, an ABC affiliate in Portland, reported. The enhanced measures included locking exterior doors to prevent entrance into the schools while “maintaining normal teaching activities.”
Following those schools’ lead, and believing ICE was in the area, other Portland schools remained vigilant and stayed on “heightened alert,” according to KATU 2.
“We recognize that news of ICE presence in the community can cause fear and uncertainty for some of our students and families,” the district said in a message. “We want you to know that PPS is committed to providing an environment where students can learn, grow, and feel supported regardless of their immigration status.”
It turned out there were no ICE raids at the schools, and the Department of Homeland Security was not involved in any operations at the schools. There were never any plans to do so, the federal agency announced on Monday. DHS also emphasized it would not target any school children and beliefs that they do so are inherently false.
“ICE is not going to schools to arrest children — we are protecting children,” a DHS representative said in response when asked about suspected activities at Portland schools, KATU 2 reported. Additionally, DHS emphasized that ICE does not target schools or children and noted that if any such operation were to occur at a school, it would require department escalation and advanced supervisor approval, KATU 2 reported.
DHS criticized such rumors and slammed them as contributing to building a “climate of fear” and the “smearing” of law enforcement.
“The media is sadly attempting to create a climate of fear and smear law enforcement,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “These smears are contributing to our ICE law enforcement officers facing 1,000% increase in assaults against them.”
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“ICE is not conducting enforcement operations at, or ‘raiding,’ schools,” said McLaughlin. “ICE is not going to schools to make arrests of children. Criminals are no longer able to hide in America’s schools to avoid arrest. The Trump administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement and instead trusts them to use common sense.”
“If a dangerous illegal alien felon were to flee into a school, or a child sex offender is working as an employee, there may be a situation where an arrest is made to protect public safety,” McLaughlin said. “But this has not happened.”
