Alisal Union School District addresses ICE detention rumors in Salinas.

Rumors on social media about and Customs Enforcement detentions near an elementary school in Salinas triggered a response from Alisal Union School District officials on Tuesday, July 8.

The rumor shared on Facebook alleged that on Tuesday morning, ICE detentions were happening near Dr. Oscar Loya Elementary School, an AUSD campus.

“Alisal USD leaders have not been able to confirm whether a detention indeed took place. District leaders were not notified of possible immigration enforcement action. If a detention took place, it did not take place on school grounds,” Alisal Union School District Superintendent Monica Anzo said in a July 8 statement. 

The same day, the Solidarity Network—a volunteer-led rapid response group of legal observers who monitor immigration enforcement activities in Monterey County—confirmed they received several reports of ICE activity. “While nothing has been confirmed, the pictures we have received, near a school in Salinas, indicate very likely that at least one man has been detained,” the Solidarity Network stated, noting it was possibly a targeted detention.

ICE officials didn't immediately respond to questions from the Weekly about activity in Salinas. 

Anzo’s statement added school grounds are a “safe space.”

“Alisal USD will—to the fullest extent provided by law—serve as a safe havens school district for students and families threatened by immigration enforcement or discrimination and, thus, will not allow federal immigration law enforcement officials to enter school sites or district properties without prior written approval from the superintendent and without proper judicial warrants,” Anzo’s statement added.