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Resident raises alarm about ICE at schools; city and police urge compliance and legal counsel
Summary
A Glenarden City resident said federal immigration enforcement at local schools could traumatize children; the mayor’s office and Chief Robinson urged parents to stay vigilant, noted limits of local authority, and advised residents to follow officers’ instructions and seek legal counsel if detained.
Ed Jenkins, a Glenarden City resident, told the council on Jan. 13 he worries that federal immigration enforcement actions near two local schools could be traumatic for children and asked whether the city has any contingency plans to reduce that harm.
Jenkins said that seeing armed, masked officers “grab” teachers or students could be especially damaging to young children and asked whether the city could prepare small contingency measures to support parents and students. He said he had discussed the matter with Councilman Hearn and sought more local planning.
The chair acknowledged the comment, said the meeting’s formal focus was pending legislation but thanked Jenkins for raising the safety concern, and said information had been released on city and county websites on what to do if approached by federal officers. The chair also noted that federal officers are acting under federal authority and that there are limits to what the city can do.
Chief Robinson told the meeting that federal officers are law enforcement and advised residents not to confront agents. He said: “If ICE approaches you, just follow their directions. Don't make a scene. Don't fight...You still have rights. ...You're entitled to a lawyer. And once you get a lawyer, ask for a [hearing] as it relates to the matter.” Robinson emphasized avoiding physical confrontation in front of children and advised exercising legal rights and seeking counsel.
Next steps: The city encouraged residents to use the posted guidance and for parents to be vigilant; no new city policy or formal action was announced at the meeting.
