Colorado Springs – On Friday morning, Harrison School District 2 said several Turman Elementary students were approached by men who identified themselves as immigration officials while walking to school. The men were described as wearing masks, carrying weapons and standing on top of trucks in unmarked vehicles across the street from the school.
District response and parental reaction
District 2 Superintendent Dr. Wendy Birhanzel told KRDO13 that the encounter left students feeling “uncomfortable and unsafe.” She added, “That doesn’t feel good for families, and it doesn’t feel like our school can be a safe place, and that’s not fair for us or our community or our students who are getting that education.”
Following the reports, Turman Elementary entered a secure status for less than 20 minutes while district security arrived to verify the situation. Attendance that morning was lower than usual, according to the district.
Official clarification
KRDO13 reached out to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for comment. An ICE spokesperson said the agency is working on a statement. The Colorado Springs Police Department, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and the United States Marshals Service all confirmed they were not involved after reviewing the district’s photo evidence.
Dr. Birhanzel noted that most Turman students walk or are dropped off by parents because the school does not have bus service. She said parents who saw a man on a truck with a gun “turned around and took their kid home, as would I if I had a five‑year‑old.” The superintendent expressed frustration that local law‑enforcement agencies did not notify the district in advance, stating, “Today was very alarming and disheartening that they chose not to let us know, so we couldn’t keep our kids safe.”
District communication to families
At 8:36 a.m., the district emailed parents and staff: “We know some of you may have seen immigration officials in unmarked vehicles in the neighborhood this morning or briefly parked in front of the school. We understand that this may have been concerning, and that questions and rumors can spread quickly. We want to reassure you that Turman Elementary is safe, and school is operating normally. As a precaution, we brought all students inside the school. Immigration officials did not approach the school or attempt to enter the building. Our students are safe, our staff is here, and learning is continuing as usual. Please reach out if you would like to talk. We are here to support our Turman community.”
District officials emphasized that the school remains a safe place for every student and thanked families for their trust.
Community implications
The incident highlights ongoing concerns among parents about immigration enforcement activities near schools and the importance of clear communication between law‑enforcement agencies and local school districts. While the district awaits further clarification from ICE, it has reiterated its commitment to maintaining a secure learning environment and supporting families who feel uneasy about such encounters.
Local officials and community leaders are encouraged to work together to ensure that any future law‑enforcement operations in residential neighborhoods are coordinated with schools, preserving the safety and peace of mind that families expect.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
