A 10-year-old boy, Dylan, shared his frightening experience after an ICE operation took place near his school bus stop in Lindenwold, New Jersey. He recalled hearing his classmates yell “ICE” and felt a surge of panic as students began to run.
Dylan is a U.S. citizen, but the fear was real. He ran home, heart racing, and in a security video, you can see him frantically knocking on his door, afraid that agents would come for him or his family. The scene was chaotic, with children bolting through a parking lot as the operation unfolded.
The Lindenwold School District reported that students waiting at the bus stop were caught off guard. They assured families that no ICE agents were present at the school itself. A post from the district explained that the many enforcement vehicles caused significant stress, but praised the bus driver for circling back to ensure as many children as possible got to school safely.
In response to this incident, community members came together to protest ICE operations in the area. New Jersey Representative Donald Norcross voiced his concern, calling for more transparency from the Department of Homeland Security. He stated, “If you’re doing ‘the right thing,’ there should be no problem.”
The impact on children is profound. Dylan expressed his worry, saying it’s hard to talk about because he fears for his parents. Maria, another local resident, noted a growing anxiety among children in the neighborhood. “They don’t want to go to school,” she said.
Historically, such incidents are not new. Reports show that ICE operations have increased in many communities across the U.S., often leaving families fearful and children traumatized. According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, nearly 75% of children in immigrant families reported feeling anxious about their safety due to the threat of deportation.
In the aftermath, the school district has taken steps to support the children, offering counseling to those in need. As communities continue to confront these realities, local leaders stress the importance of open dialogue and reassurance for families living in fear.
For more insights on this topic, you can read a report from the American Psychological Association.
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New Jersey, Immigration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
