News Summary
Parents at Charlotte East Language Academy (CELA) are increasingly worried following reports of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence near the school. The principal addressed these concerns in a meeting, and the PTA has called for clarity and support from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Board. Community members emphasize the need for a safe environment for all students, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds, and have urged the school district to provide necessary resources to address the emotional impact of immigration enforcement on families.
Charlotte – Concerns are rising among parents after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was reported near the drop-off line at Charlotte East Language Academy (CELA) in east Charlotte. This incident has heightened anxieties regarding student safety, particularly within the immigrant community.
The principal of CELA addressed these concerns with parents during a meeting on Monday, confirming the ICE activity and acknowledging the community’s worries. In light of this event, the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) at CELA issued a statement on social media advocating for the safety, dignity, and peace of mind for all students, regardless of their immigration status.
The CELA PTA further urged the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School (CMS) Board to publicly clarify their stance on ICE’s actions and enforcement policies, emphasizing the school’s obligation to maintain safe and welcoming environments for every student. Their appeal underscores a collective demand for transparency from school leadership in the wake of the ICE encounter.
A reliable source reported that ICE arrested an individual near the intersection of Albemarle Road and Jenkins Drive, coinciding with heightened deportation efforts observed during the Trump administration. This backdrop has contributed to an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among families associated with CELA.
CMS spokespersons have not confirmed whether any students were directly affected by the ICE activities; however, school officials acknowledge the emotional strain this event has placed on families. Liz Monterrey Duvall, the first Latina elected to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Board, indicated that while the board has deliberated various policy options, it cannot override existing state or federal laws regarding immigration enforcement.
In response to the ICE incident, Representative Jordan Lopez of the 112th House District has voiced support for the PTA’s calls for immediate action from the CMS Board. The aim is to safeguard students and foster an environment where all children feel secure in their educational settings.
CELA, located on Wilora Lake Road, is a full Spanish immersion magnet school catering to K-8 students. The school community is seeking reassurance that effective measures will be enacted to address the fallout from the ICE activities, including offering adequate resources and training for educators. This is particularly crucial for helping students who may have experienced trauma related to immigration enforcement.
The incident involving ICE has sparked significant apprehension among parents and students at CELA, heightening the urgency for a community response. The PTA and concerned parents are advocating for a swift and coherent strategy from CMS leadership to address immigration-related fears and ensure the educational environment remains supportive for all students.
As the situation continues to unfold, the school community is urging school officials to take proactive steps in communicating with families, providing reassurance of student safety, and fostering an environment where all individuals can feel included and secure.
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Additional Resources
- WSOC TV News
- Wikipedia: Immigration Enforcement in the United States
- WBTV News
- Google Search: ICE activity near Charlotte schools
- Charlotte Observer
- Google Scholar: ICE activities impact on school community
- WCCB Charlotte
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration in the US
