U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested a high school student in McMinnville during Friday’s lunch period, according to school officials.
FILE - A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer listens during a briefing, Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, in Silver Spring, Md.
Alex Brandon / AP
“This afternoon, we became aware of an incident off school grounds in which a high school student was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement [ICE] during today’s lunch period,” McMinnville Superintendent Kourtney Ferrua wrote in a message to parents. “Students who were nearby witnessed the event. We are working to verify information through appropriate channels and remain in communication with local partners.”
The Yamhill County News-Register reported that the family of the arrested 17-year-old student said he is a U.S. citizen.
ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment about why it targeted a high school student.
Immigration enforcement activity has risen dramatically in Oregon since October, but arrests of minors are rare.
“We have not had any visits to our schools by ICE, and our district follows established federal and state requirements related to student privacy and cooperation with law enforcement,” Ferrua’s message to families said. “We care deeply about our students and their safety. Knowledge of an emotional event such as this one can have impacts for all students. Our administrative team is meeting to determine next steps in responding to our students’ social and emotional needs in the days and weeks ahead.”
Unidos Bridging Communities, a local nonprofit, reported an increase in ICE activity across Yamhill County on Friday.
