Superintendent Almi Abeyta of Chelsea Public Schools announced Thursday that the district has issued an advisory to families after reports of federal immigration agents operating near school drop‑off and pick‑up locations. Abeyta said her staff witnessed agents near several schools on Wednesday, sparking concern among parents and students.
District response focuses on safety and reassurance
“My biggest concern is the fear. And then parents may say, ‘I’m not going to send my child to school,’” Abeyta told NBC10 Boston. To address the anxiety, the district has deployed extra staff at dismissal times and sent a communication to families outlining what is known and what steps are being taken.
The superintendent noted that a handful of students were absent Thursday following the advisory, underscoring the impact of the perceived threat. “It really is about trying to calm our families and let them know that we’re aware,” she said. “We have extra staff at dismissal … and that builds trust.”
Parents in neighboring Revere share similar worries
In nearby Revere, parent Carmen Chicas expressed the difficulty of reassuring her daughter while confronting the fear that immigration enforcement could disrupt her education. “She worries a lot,” Chicas said, recalling her daughter’s words: “Mom, what do I do? It’s scary. I don’t want them to take me away or you away.” Chicas said she is constantly preparing her children for the possibility of separation.
Community groups step in to support students
Local immigrant‑advocacy organization La Colaborativa is also responding to the surge in reports. Executive Director Gladys Vega said staff will walk students out of the high school on Thursday because many were nervous. Vega recorded a video of immigration agents questioning a man in Chelsea; the agents eventually released him. The man, who asked not to be identified, said he is a legal resident and believes he was racially profiled.
Vega believes the presence of community advocates made a difference. “I swear that if we hadn’t been there — he was already in cuffs and they would’ve taken him,” she said.
ICE response
When asked for comment, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reiterated that it does not disclose details about its enforcement operations. The agency also denied targeting schools and described claims to the contrary as a false narrative that unfairly demonizes its agents. ICE’s response did not confirm whether agents were operating near the specific school sites referenced by the district.
What this means for families
For now, Chelsea schools are urging parents to stay informed, keep lines of communication open with school staff, and rely on the district’s added resources at dismissal. Community groups continue to monitor the situation and offer assistance to students who feel unsafe.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
