Teachers on the Frontlines: Monitoring ICE in San Diego

As dawn breaks over southern San Diego, a trio of dedicated teachers embark on a mission that transcends their regular classroom duties. With the sun barely peeking over the horizon, they sip coffee and engage in casual conversation, unaware that their morning would soon take a critical turn.

With the start of the school day still an hour or two away, the educators are on the lookout for something unusual. Suddenly, mid-discussion, they catch sight of an unmarked vehicle that raises their suspicions: an SUV that appears to be linked to the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). To the average observer, the dark-tinted windows of the Dodge Durango might not seem out of the ordinary among the other cars parked in the residential area.

However, these teachers, members of the Association of Raza Educators (ARE), are trained to notice what most would overlook. They identify the telltale signs of an undercover ICE vehicle: the completely tinted windows, the small strip of lights located on the front of the SUV, and the faint outline of a steel prisoner partition visible within. The moment the driver picks up a handheld radio, high school teacher Marysol Duran springs into action, activating her own walkie-talkie.

“We have identified a potential,” she communicates to her team, who are following closely behind. “He is on 39th and Gamma. We will keep close watch.” This isn't just an ordinary patrol; it’s part of a broader initiative to protect the community from potential immigration enforcement actions.

The Association of Raza Educators is not just comprised of teachers but is also a network of grassroots activists committed to safeguarding immigrant communities in southern California. Their routine patrols serve as a proactive measure to monitor ICE activities and to inform local residents through social media alerts, group chats, and sometimes even a large megaphone.

On the fall morning when they spotted the suspicious Dodge Durango, their patrol zone included several local schools. This selection was deliberate, given that just two months prior, a troubling series of incidents occurred where at least four parents were arrested or detained by immigration officials close to schools within San Diego County. One particularly alarming incident involved an undocumented mother, who was apprehended outside a Chula Vista elementary school during morning drop-off, with her children witnessing the ordeal from the vehicle.

In the United States, children have a fundamental right to free public education from kindergarten through 12th grade, irrespective of their immigration status. Traditionally, immigration officers faced restrictions when it came to conducting arrests in what are deemed “sensitive locations” like schools and places of worship. However, the Department of Homeland Security has recently rescinded the protective guidelines established during the Obama and Biden administrations, raising concerns among educators and activists alike.

Consequently, when the three teachers observed the potential ICE agent in October, they promptly turned their vehicle around to follow. The Dodge Durango came to a stop, and the teachers parked nearby. In the driver’s seat was Juan Orozco, a high school counselor, while Duran occupied the passenger seat. In the back, elementary school teacher Aremi Lopez held tightly to a megaphone, ready to amplify their message if necessary.

After a few tense minutes of monitoring the situation, the Dodge suddenly sped off, leaving the educators uncertain of their next move but resolute in their mission. The teachers, driven by a commitment to their students and the community, understand that their actions may help protect vulnerable families from the threat of immigration enforcement.

As the teachers continue their patrols, they reflect on the implications of ICE activities in their community. The rise in arrests and detentions near schools not only instills fear among immigrant families but also affects children's access to education. When parents are apprehended, children may miss school, and the trauma of witnessing such events can have lasting psychological impacts.

Through their efforts, the teachers aim to foster resilience within their community. By raising awareness and alerting residents to potential ICE activity, they empower families to take precautions and protect themselves. The teachers’ work exemplifies a commitment to social justice and community solidarity, reminding us that education extends beyond the classroom walls.

The dawn patrols led by these San Diego teachers represent a crucial intersection of education and activism. In a climate where immigration enforcement policies are shifting, their vigilance serves as a beacon of hope for families fearing deportation. As they continue to monitor the streets, these educators embody the spirit of resistance, advocating for the rights of all students and their families, regardless of immigration status. Their actions remind us that the fight for justice and equality is ongoing, and that community support can make a profound difference.