Community volunteer raises concerns about ICE activity and student safety after state law change

Roshan Matthews, speaking at the March 2 Lake Central School Corporation board meeting, asked the board what plans it has to protect students and families from immigration enforcement activity and urged partnerships with community groups.

Identifying himself as a Lake Central alumnus and a representative of the Northwest Indiana Community Response Team, Matthews said volunteers monitor and document ICE activity in the region and provide support for families affected by enforcement. He said the group has observed practices that he described as ‘‘profiling’’ and ‘‘tricking people’’ into detention and that many detained individuals later are relocated to facilities with poor conditions and limited information for families.

Matthews noted community fear after the passage of Senate Bill 76 and asked directly: "What is your plan to help protect your students when ICE comes knocking on school doors?" He said Lake County has a large Latin American population and estimated roughly 20% of district students are Latinx; he urged the district to keep families informed and to consider working with community groups.

Board members thanked Matthews for his remarks. The transcript records no formal board response or policy action at the meeting; Matthews said he hoped to build dialogue with the district in the days ahead.

Because this comment addresses the safety and legal status of community members, the district’s next steps and any formal communications or policy changes could materially affect families; the board did not announce follow-up at the March 2 meeting.