CMS board chair Stephanie Sneed acknowledged that the incident has created fear and anxiety among families, particularly in light of ongoing standardized testing.

On May 13, 2025, ICE agents detained a man near the drop-off line of Charlotte East Language Academy while he was taking his child to school, an incident that has sparked significant concern within the community.

The incident has drawn criticism for the lack of strong condemnation from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS), with advocates arguing that legality does not equate to acceptability.

Community members are urging CMS to improve transparency and communication about such incidents, which are not isolated cases.

Witnesses reported the man being taken into custody in front of his child and classmates, which many have labeled as a cruel and traumatizing act.

Parents, including Sara Kay Mooney, expressed frustration over the lack of a robust response from CMS leadership regarding the ICE incident.

Mooney advocates for clear response plans within schools to better address future incidents, emphasizing the need for assigned roles and effective communication strategies.

The article highlights a broader pattern of ICE detentions under the Trump administration, noting that many individuals detained have no criminal history.

Research indicates that children witnessing ICE detainments show visible signs of trauma, underscoring the importance of support for both students and staff.

Camino, a nonprofit serving the Latino community, aims to provide resources for families concerned about ICE encounters, emphasizing the emotional impact such incidents can have on children.

The article calls for CMS to take a definitive stance against such detentions, asserting that no parent should fear bringing their child to school.

Sara Kay Mooney shares her personal experience of walking her children to school, contrasting it with the traumatic experience faced by the detained family.