Reports of federal immigration agents operating near an elementary school in Ohio ignited outrage this week, after residents said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was spotted near Horizon Primary Science Academy in Columbus, a Pre-K through second-grade school, serving many families from the Somali community.
For many Ohio citizens following the situation, the issue went far beyond immigration policy. It struck at something more fundamental: whether schools can still be considered safe spaces for children.
“Federal immigration enforcement near a school full of young children. Let that sink in,” one Ohio resident wrote, summing up the disbelief that quickly spread across the city. Another added bluntly, “Leave the damn kids alone.”
According to residents sharing information, ICE agents were seen near Horizon Primary Academy during school hours. While there were no confirmed reports of agents entering the building or questioning children, parents said the mere presence of enforcement near dismissal time was enough to cause panic.
Ohio citizens familiar with school procedures said administrators acted quickly. One resident claimed school officials were tipped off about a possible ICE presence at another Columbus school and moved up dismissal to avoid any interaction with agents.
“This school serves families who already live with uncertainty,” one Ohio parent said. “Parents should never have to worry about immigration enforcement while picking up their kids.”
Much of the anger centered on how ICE reportedly operates: plainclothes officers, unmarked vehicles, and limited identification. Several Ohio residents said that it creates confusion and fear not only for immigrant families, but for anyone.
“How are we supposed to know it’s even ICE and not a kidnapping?” one Ohio citizen asked. Others echoed the concern, arguing that the lack of visible identification makes the situation dangerous for both civilians and officers.
Some Ohio residents pointed to what they described as a troubling strategy: using school policies to draw parents out. Schools typically require a parent or guardian to be present before a minor can be questioned by law enforcement. Critics believe that makes schools a convenient pressure point.
“If that’s the strategy,” one Ohio citizen wrote, “it’s morally indefensible.”
Teachers also weighed in, with at least one educator stating that staff are instructed not to release student information to anyone who is not a legal guardian, which is a reassurance welcomed by parents following the discussion.
The broader concern repeated again and again was trust. Ohio citizens warned that enforcement activity near schools discourages attendance, traumatizes children, and fractures relationships between families and institutions meant to protect them.
“Schools are supposed to be safe spaces,” one resident wrote. “Children should not associate school with fear.”
As the debate spread, some residents organized ways to support affected families, while others cautioned against well-meaning but risky actions. Still, the overwhelming sentiment was clear: whatever one’s views on immigration, schools should be off-limits.
