Days after Oakland school lockdowns, DHS agents show up at Hayward Elementary - Local News Matters

Last week, DHS agents visited Cherryland Elementary School in Hayward, California, with a subpoena for information about a student. Adhering to protocol, school officials contacted legal counsel and refrained from sharing any information, allowing the agents to depart without incident. The visit prompted representatives from the Alameda County Immigration Legal Education Partnership to support the school community. This event occurred shortly after federal immigration enforcement activities led to lockdowns at Hoover Elementary School and Harriet Tubman Preschool in West Oakland. In that earlier incident, ICE agents attempted to detain a grandfather near the schools, resulting in a chaotic scene as the man fled on foot.

The recent visits highlight the ongoing challenges schools face regarding immigration enforcement and student privacy. School officials are increasingly concerned about the implications of federal actions on student safety and community trust. The incidents underscore the need for clear policies regarding school interactions with federal immigration authorities.