U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents questioned a high school student outside a school in North Bergen, New Jersey, on Oct. 19, and township officials said the district was investigating the incident.
CBS New York reported that student George Castillo said he was waiting for a friend when agents asked whether he was American. Neighbor Gloria Estrada recorded the encounter, the outlet reported.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said agents briefly spoke with an adult during a targeted operation in North Bergen. DHS said it arrested nine undocumented migrants with criminal histories, citing assault and abuse of a child among the offenses. The department denied targeting children or schools.
North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco and township commissioners said the presence of masked agents had frightened residents. They said they would consider legal steps to protect students, including limits on agents’ access to school buildings without a warrant.
New Jersey Department of Education guidance says chief school administrators need not allow immigration agents onto school premises without a judge-signed judicial search or arrest warrant, except in exigent circumstances. The guidance addresses access to school premises; Castillo’s reported encounter took place outside the school.
