A Scary Day at School: When Parents Fear Leaving Their Kids

In Portland, Maine, a regular school morning turned into a nightmare. A parent was taken away by ICE right in front of their child's school. This happened on the school's access road, where kids, parents, and teachers all saw it. It was a shock to everyone, especially the kids. After this happened, many families were too scared to send their kids to school the next day. They had to choose between keeping their kids safe or letting them go to school. Some kids missed meals and the care they usually get at school. This all started because the new president changed a rule. Before, places like schools, hospitals, and churches were safe from ICE arrests. But now, ICE can arrest people anywhere, even where kids are. This makes families afraid to go to places where they should feel safe. Schools are now spending time and money to prepare for ICE raids. They have to make plans for what to do if ICE comes. This takes time and money away from helping kids learn. Kids in Portland are now worried about their parents. They can't focus on school because they are scared. Parents are also afraid to go to school events or pick up their kids after school. This might be the first time something like this happened in Maine, but it won't be the last. There's a new law that makes ICE stronger. Without protection for schools, more families could go through this. This is not just about immigration. It's about making sure schools are safe for everyone. Kids should be worried about making new friends and learning, not about their parents being taken away.