Fact check: Is ice going to elementary schools and taking kids?

1. Summary of the results

The evidence strongly indicates that ICE is not systematically taking children from elementary schools. Multiple sources confirm specific points:

• A recent investigation by LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho found no evidence of ICE taking children from schools ^[1]
• ICE explicitly stated to Newsweek that "no immigration enforcement operation has been conducted at schools or bus stops" ^[2]
• Recent viral claims about ICE raids at Gratts Learning Academy were proven FALSE, with the graduation ceremony continuing without disruption ^{[3] [4]}

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several important contextual elements need to be considered:

• While ICE isn't randomly taking children from schools, there are documented cases of legal detentions, such as the case of 9-year-old Martir Garcia Lara, who was detained with his father during an immigration court appointment following a legal removal order ^{[5] [6]}
• There has been increased immigration enforcement activity near schools, which has created anxiety in communities ^[7]
• ICE has been granted expanded enforcement powers, though these don't specifically target schools ^[2]
• In some cases, misidentification has occurred - such as Secret Service agents being mistaken for ICE agents at Hamline Elementary School ^[8]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question reflects several problematic assumptions and biases:

• It suggests random, systematic targeting of children in schools, which multiple official sources have denied ^{[1] [2]}
• The narrative benefits multiple groups:
• Anti-immigration activists who want to create fear and chaos in immigrant communities
• Social media engagement seekers spreading viral, unverified claims
• The reality is more nuanced: while ICE does conduct enforcement actions (like the 44 arrests near a Home Depot) ^[4], they operate under specific legal frameworks rather than randomly targeting children
• Community fear and anxiety have led to misinterpretation of events, such as unmarked vehicles being mistaken for ICE presence ^[1]