Teachers and parents tell Forest Grove School Board ICE activity is traumatizing students

Forest Grove, Ore. — Teachers and parents told the Forest Grove School District board at its Dec. 9 public hearing that expanded immigration enforcement in the area has left many students terrified, unable to attend or focus in class, and that the community must act to protect families.

"I'm a teacher in Forest Grove School District. I'm speaking on behalf of my colleagues, students, and families who could not be here tonight out of concern for their personal safety to speak with you about the impact of ICE activity on our students and families and staff," said teacher Megan Fitzgerald during public comment. Fitzgerald described students who are too frightened to play outside, who have stopped coming to school, and families who have lost primary breadwinners.

Other speakers provided similar accounts. "We have students in our district who came here, some who came seeking asylum that are leaving," said Sandra Pareda, adding that Latino students and families feel daily fear and that emotional safety is as important as physical safety. Joelle Ricker told the board staff had reported that roughly 120 students — about 19% of the student body, as reported to staff — had expressed worries about ICE's impact on their families, and that staff and volunteers have organized bus-stop supports and "whistle kits" for families. Teacher Vanessa Martinez described young children with severe anxiety attacks and a kindergartner whose father was detained and deported, calling the loss "irreparable trauma."

Board members paused for a short recess after public comment and acknowledged the testimony. Superintendent Dr. West said the district and regional partners are convening to coordinate supports and that the district has not had verification that enforcement agents accessed school campuses but is working with community organizations and elected officials to protect students.

The speakers urged the board to use its advocacy and relationships with legislators to press for protected-school policies and for community resources to address the trauma. Several board members said the testimony would inform upcoming advocacy work at a Jan. 7 dinner and countywide board chairs' meeting where legislative priorities will be presented to state legislators.

The board did not take a formal policy vote at the meeting on immigration enforcement; public comment was received during the legally required budget hearing portion of the agenda and the board moved on to its consent agenda and action items after the recess.