Immigration agents detained two people, including an illegal immigrant, on school grounds in Baltimore, sparking backlash from school and state officials. The incident occurred outside Commodore John Rodgers Elementary/Middle school as preparations were underway for kindergarten and pre-k promotion ceremonies.

Details of the Incident

According to authorities and witnesses, immigration agents had been pursuing an illegal immigrant who was accompanied by his family and drove into the parking lot of the school. Agents pulled the parents from the car and detained them, while educators rushed to the SUV to take two children who were in the backseat into the school to try and protect them.

The children are now in the custody of their aunt, according to the Department of Homeland Security. The man, identified as Jesus Acevedo-Sanchez, is facing federal charges for resisting and impeding federal officers, and destruction of government property.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore called the incident disturbing and said his administration had been in touch with Immigration and Customs Enforcement leadership about what unfolded and why it occurred on school grounds. ICE was apologetic to state and school officials about the arrest happening on school grounds, noting that the circumstances led them there.

Reaction from Officials

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said in a post that he reached out to offer assistance to the affected family, the school, and federal authorities to express their anger at the arrest occurring on school grounds. School officials are seeking clear assurances that something like this does not occur again.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.