Families on edge after ICE activity reported across Moreno Valley, including near elementary school

MORENO VALLEY, Calif. (KABC) -- Parents and community advocates are raising concerns after multiple instances of immigration enforcement activity were reported across Moreno Valley on Wednesday, including an incident outside an elementary school during student drop-off.

Witness video obtained by ABC7 appears to show immigration enforcement officers detaining an older man outside Sunnymead Elementary School. The incident happened as students were arriving for classes.

"You guys gotta stop ripping families apart," one bystander can be heard saying in the footage.

Several parents who witnessed the incident said they were troubled by what unfolded near the school.

"They should not be doing that in front of the children," said parent Angela Alvarez. "The kids in the background were screaming, 'La Migra, La Migra.'"

Another parent, Miguel Ibarra, described a sense of fear in the community.

"We're very scared, on edge, you know, and it's tough being out here," he said.

The incident near Sunnymead Elementary was one of at least four separate immigration enforcement sightings reported across Moreno Valley Wednesday morning.

Videos shared with ABC7 showed activity near:

• Ellsworth Street and Goldencrest Drive
• Indian Street and Bay Avenue
• The McDonald's on Alessandro Boulevard
• Sunnymead Elementary School

One witness, identified only as Isaac, said the enforcement activity was difficult to watch.

"It's heartbreaking because it's just people that are working, trying to make a living," he said.

Advocacy group says multiple arrests made

The Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice said its rapid response team responded to reports throughout Moreno Valley to verify enforcement activity and assist affected families.

"Today in Moreno Valley, there was at least six arrests that took place in less than two and a half hours," said Lizbeth, deputy director for the organization.

She said many of the arrests involved workers who serve as primary providers for their families.

"A lot of the times we see, like today, workers, the head of the household getting taken," she said. "They are very much not knowing what to do next, trying to figure out how they're going to pay rent, bills, and really just trying to get legal support."

ABC7 has not independently confirmed the total number of arrests reported by the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice. The organization's figures are based on reports verified by its rapid response team.

Concerns about impact on students

Parents told ABC7 this is the second immigration enforcement-related incident reported outside Sunnymead Elementary in recent weeks.

Many worry the activity is creating fear among students and families and discouraging school attendance.

"It is very traumatizing," Alvarez said. "My son, just last week for his birthday, has 35 students in his classroom. He came home with 11 cupcakes. People are afraid to send their kid to school."

Some parents told ABC7 they are now volunteering to help transport students whose families may be hesitant to leave home.

DHS responds

ABC7 reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for information about Wednesday's enforcement activity.

In a statement, a DHS spokesperson said:

Officials did not provide additional details about the specific operations reported in Moreno Valley.