Homeland Security Official Responds To San Diego Schools Superintendent

SAN DIEGO, CA — Federal immigration officials this weekend responded to comments by San Diego Unified Schools Superintendent Fabiola Bagula criticizing an ICE raid that resulted in the arrest of a parent near Linda Vista Elementary School.

Bagula held a news conference Friday after Thursday's arrest, assuring parents that their children are safe and speaking out against ICE tactics in proximity to campuses.

"This just did not happen to one household, it happened to and entire school community," Bagula said. "It left children, families and staff with questions and fears that no one, especially our youngest learners should have to carry."

On Saturday, Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary of public affairs for the Department of Homeland Security, defended the agency's actions.

"Allegations that ICE targeted Linda Vista Elementary School are false. ICE was never on school grounds," McLaughlin said.

"The target of the operation was Juan Jose Martinez Cortes, an illegal alien from Mexico, who was fraudulently using an American's social security number," McLaughlin said. "Officers approached Martinez after he pulled over in a parking lot. On August 14, ICE arrested Martinez and placed him in removal proceedings."

"Any smears that ICE targeted an elementary school are contributing to the 1000% increase in assaults against our brave ICE law enforcement," McLaughlin said.

School officials said they never claimed that federal agents entered the campus.

"We do not know the reasons for why this parent was detained," Bagula said. "I am told the father who was detained was concerned about his child's welfare and who was going to get them from school."

— City News Service