Students flee in panic at Lindenwold bus stop during ICE operation, according to school district officials.
The Lindenwold School District recently experienced a troubling incident when fourth- and fifth-grade students waiting for their bus were frightened by the sudden presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducting a nearby operation. This event unfolded on a Thursday morning, as students were gathered at a bus stop adjacent to the Woodland Village Apartments. The district confirmed the occurrence in an official statement.
Witness reports indicated that the sight of multiple enforcement vehicles instilled considerable fear and confusion among the children, prompting several to flee the bus stop. The district praised the bus driver for their swift and responsible actions, noting that the driver made multiple rounds to ensure as many students as possible were safely transported to school.
Footage from a Ring camera shared with various media outlets depicted the alarming scene, with children purportedly shouting in panic as they ran, exclaiming concerns about ICE. Upon arrival at school, many students were visibly upset and emotional, underscoring the traumatic impact of the incident. School officials assured the community that all students were safe and confirmed that ICE agents were not present within the school district at that time.
In response to the incident, a leader from the school district reached out to local and state representatives to discuss strategies aimed at protecting children during ICE operations. The district emphasized the importance of ensuring a safe environment for students while waiting for transportation and while attending school.
Concerns regarding ICE operations in the area are not isolated; Lindenwold has been one of several communities within Camden County affected by such enforcement actions. Camden County Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli Jr. expressed his dismay at the chaos caused by the morning operation, calling it appalling and voicing concern over the fear and anxiety experienced by local children. Cappelli noted that ICE had contacted local police for assistance during the operation, emphasizing the need for greater clarity and sensitivity in the execution of such actions.
The unsettling nature of the incident prompted additional commentary from County Commissioner Jonathan Young, who, as a former resident of Lindenwold, expressed deep concern over the sight of children running in fear. He voiced that while no one desires criminal activity in their community, the methods employed by ICE have raised significant ethical questions about their operations.
In light of the situation, a protest titled “ICE Out of Lindenwold” had been planned prior to the incident, scheduled for the following afternoon at the borough hall, further illustrating the rising tensions in the community surrounding immigration enforcement practices.
The incident has highlighted the need for improved protocols during ICE operations to ensure the safety and well-being of children and families within affected communities.
