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MORENO VALLEY, Calif. () — Parents and community advocates are raising concerns after multiple instances of immigration enforcement activity were reported across Moreno Valley on Wednesday, including an incident outside an elementary school during student drop-off.
Witness video obtained by 7 appears to show immigration enforcement officers detaining an older man outside Sunnymead Elementary School. The incident happened as students were arriving for classes.
“You guys gotta stop ripping families apart,” one bystander can be heard saying in the footage.
Several parents who witnessed the incident said they were troubled by what unfolded near the school.
“They should not be doing that in front of the children,” said parent Angela Alvarez. “The kids in the background were screaming, ‘La Migra, La Migra.'”
Another parent, Miguel Ibarra, described a sense of fear in the community.
“We’re very scared, on edge, you know, and it’s tough being out here,” he said.
The incident near Sunnymead Elementary was one of at least four separate immigration enforcement sightings reported across Moreno Valley Wednesday morning.
Videos shared with 7 showed activity near:
- Ellsworth Street and Goldencrest Drive
- Indian Street and Bay Avenue
- The McDonald’s on Alessandro Boulevard
- Sunnymead Elementary School
One witness, identified only as Isaac, said the enforcement activity was difficult to watch.
“It’s heartbreaking because it’s just people that are working, trying to make a living,” he said.
Advocacy group says multiple arrests made
The Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice said its rapid response team responded to reports throughout Moreno Valley to verify enforcement activity and assist affected families.
“Today in Moreno Valley, there was at least six arrests that took place in less than two and a half hours,” said Lizbeth, deputy director for the organization.
She said many of the arrests involved workers who serve as primary providers for their families.
“A lot of the times we see, like today, workers, the head of the household getting taken,” she said. “They are very much not knowing what to do next, trying to figure out how they’re going to pay rent, bills, and really just trying to get legal support.”
7 has not independently confirmed the total number of arrests reported by the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice. The organization’s figures are based on reports verified by its rapid response team.
Concerns about impact on students
Parents told 7 this is the second immigration enforcement-related incident reported outside Sunnymead Elementary in recent weeks.
Many worry the activity is creating fear among students and families and discouraging school attendance.
“It is very traumatizing,” Alvarez said. “My son, just last week for his birthday, has 35 students in his classroom. He came home with 11 cupcakes. People are afraid to send their kid to school.”
Some parents told 7 they are now volunteering to help transport students whose families may be hesitant to leave home.
DHS responds
7 reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for information about Wednesday’s enforcement activity.
In a statement, a DHS spokesperson said:
“For operational security and the safety of our officers, ICE will not disclose or discuss law enforcement operations.
Every day, DHS enforces the laws of the nation across the country including in California.”
Officials did not provide additional details about the specific operations reported in Moreno Valley.
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