Additional Coverage:
Two parents were taken into custody by ICE agents during a preschool graduation ceremony at Commodore John Rodgers Elementary School in Baltimore, Maryland, causing distress among children and onlookers.
The incident occurred Thursday in the school’s parking lot, where several children reportedly cried out as the arrests were made. Videos captured by witnesses show ICE agents physically restraining a man on the ground while attempting to handcuff him, with one bystander shouting that the actions were taking place on school property and should be illegal. Another clip shows a woman being detained shortly after, as parents and young children hurried past the scene.
Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson shared that the arrested individuals arrived in the parking lot while being pursued by ICE agents. He noted that their children, who were in the car, were visibly upset as their parents were forcibly removed.
Ferguson praised school staff who quickly escorted the children indoors to shield them from the unsettling situation. He added that the agents left promptly after completing the arrests.
This event comes just a month after Baltimore enacted an emergency measure banning federal agents from making arrests in “sensitive locations,” including public schools.
Despite the disruption, the graduation ceremony and scheduled activities continued. School officials are collaborating with local, state, and federal authorities to gather more information. It remains unclear if the children involved attend the school or if the arrested individuals have any prior criminal records, as their identities have not been disclosed.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and Maryland Governor Wes Moore both condemned the arrests. Mayor Scott described the incident as “disturbing” and reiterated that ICE enforcement actions are unwelcome in Baltimore, emphasizing that their presence has increased fear among immigrant communities rather than enhancing public safety. He confirmed that his office has formally expressed its disapproval to federal authorities for the arrests occurring on school grounds.
Governor Moore echoed these sentiments, calling the arrests “disturbing” and underscoring that schools should be safe spaces for children and families. He stressed that while Maryland will cooperate with federal law enforcement when it improves community safety, actions that frighten children and separate families in front of schools undermine public trust and do not contribute to safety. Moore’s administration is currently in direct communication with ICE leadership to understand the circumstances and to prevent similar incidents in the future.