Disturbing footage has emerged showing US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arresting a father as he dropped off his child at a preschool in Oregon. The video, which has gone viral, has reignited debates about immigration enforcement tactics near sensitive locations like schools.
The Arrest That Shocked a Community
According to witnesses, the incident occurred during morning drop-off hours at the preschool in an Oregon community. The video shows armed ICE agents approaching the man near the school entrance before handcuffing him as other parents and children looked on.
"It was terrifying," said one parent who witnessed the arrest but asked to remain anonymous. "Little kids were crying, not understanding why police were taking someone's daddy away."
Growing Controversy Over Enforcement Tactics
This incident comes amid ongoing controversy about ICE operations near so-called "sensitive locations" which are supposed to include schools, hospitals and places of worship. While ICE maintains they have discretion to make arrests anywhere, critics argue such actions create unnecessary trauma.
"This kind of enforcement near schools is completely unacceptable," said local immigration advocate Maria Gonzalez. "It traumatizes children and makes entire communities fearful of basic activities like taking their kids to school."
Official Responses
ICE officials confirmed the arrest but declined to comment on the specific location, only stating they had "probable cause" to detain the individual. The local school district has expressed concern about the incident's impact on students and families.
Meanwhile, civil rights organizations are calling for investigations into whether proper protocols were followed during this operation near an educational facility.
