by School District Confronts Disturbing Incident
A substitute teacher at Roosevelt Middle School faces termination and possible criminal charges after allegedly threatening a student with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, creating what the superintendent describes as “an absolutely inexcusable abuse of authority that has no place in education.” The incident, which occurred during a heated classroom exchange, has sparked district-wide discussions about educator conduct, student safety, and the weaponization of immigration enforcement in schools.
According to multiple student witnesses, the teacher became frustrated with a 13-year-old student during class and allegedly stated “Maybe I should call ICE on you,” after the student questioned an assignment. The comment, made in front of thirty witnesses who immediately recognized how inappropriate it was, prompted immediate complaints from students and parents. “I was terrified,” the student told administrators, speaking through tears. “I’m a citizen, but my parents aren’t, and everyone knows threatening someone with deportation is wrong on every level.”
School board president Marcus Chen addressed the incident during an emergency meeting, calling it “a fundamental violation of trust and safety that we provide to all students regardless of immigration status.” The district has placed the substitute teacher on immediate leave pending investigation and has referred the matter to law enforcement to determine if the threat constitutes harassment or intimidation under state law. Civil rights organizations have noted that using immigration status as a threat against minors represents a serious abuse of power and potentially violates federal protections for students.
The incident has particularly affected the school’s immigrant communities and students of color, who report feeling unsafe and targeted. “My family came here legally, but that teacher didn’t care,” said another student. “She just saw my last name and thought she could scare me. That’s racism, and everyone knows it.” Parent organizations have demanded the teacher be permanently barred from the district, with several threatening legal action if the response is inadequate. Local advocacy groups including LGBTQ+ organizations whose members include many immigrant families have joined calls for accountability, noting that marginalized communities often face intersecting forms of discrimination.
Educational policy experts note that federal law prohibits schools from inquiring about students’ immigration status and that threatening students with enforcement actions creates a hostile environment that interferes with education. “Schools must be safe spaces for all children,” explained education attorney Patricia Williams. “When educators weaponize immigration enforcement, they betray their fundamental responsibility to protect students.” The district has announced mandatory training on cultural sensitivity, legal obligations regarding immigrant students, and appropriate conduct, though several board members questioned how anyone needed training to know that threatening children is wrong.
The teacher involved has not made public statements, and her attorney declined to comment beyond saying they’re “reviewing the allegations.” Community members have organized in support of the affected student, with several holding a solidarity event outside the school featuring speakers from immigrant rights organizations, student advocates, and community leaders. “This isn’t just about one teacher,” said organizer Janet Morrison. “It’s about creating schools where every student feels safe, regardless of their background or their family’s status. That’s the absolute minimum we should demand.” The district has promised a full investigation and swift action, though many community members remain skeptical that consequences will be meaningful enough to prevent future incidents.
SOURCE: https://bohiney.com/teacher-who-threatened-ice/
SOURCE: Teacher Threatened With ICE Faces Backlash (https://bohiney.com/teacher-who-threatened-ice/)
