CHARLOTTE — Concerns over the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement near schools dominated the Charlotte Mecklenburg School Board meeting on Tuesday night, just days before the district’s traditional campuses are set to open.
The meeting, which was the last before the start of the school year, saw emotions run high as nearly two dozen individuals signed up to speak during the public comment period.
More than half of the speakers expressed fears about potential ICE actions in and around school campuses, reflecting a growing anxiety among parents and students.
“Kids are scared of going into school again, and parents are scared of taking their kids to school,” said Mayra Trinidad, capturing the mood of many in attendance.
Dr. Emily Wheeler voiced her concerns, stating, “My concerns for safety have increased exponentially.”
For the first time in a public setting, school board members addressed the uncertainty surrounding ICE’s presence in schools, assuring families of their commitment to safety.
“I can tell you that everyone here deeply cares about our students, about our staff, and about protecting them, but the reality is, we didn’t create this; this comes from the federal and state,” said CMS Board Member Liz Monterrey Duval.
Earlier this summer, the district revealed it had offered non-mandatory training to principals on how to handle potential ICE visits.
The training indicated that ICE agents are allowed in parking lots, lobbies, and waiting areas, but must have a warrant to enter classrooms and private areas.
Despite these measures, some community members feel the training does not go far enough.
“The teachers need to have a full understanding of how to handle situations,” said Omar Marzouk, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive preparation.
The Mecklenburg Schools Police Department also has a new chief. Jonathan Thomas, a former major with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, retired from that department this summer. He was then introduced tonight as the new police chief for CMS.
This announcement came after former Chief Lisa Mangum retired at the end of last school year. Thomas is expected to be sworn in next week.
VIDEO: ICE can visit public school areas without permission, CMS says
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