Concern and Solidarity in Lincoln School Community Following Reported ICE Activity
Written By Ellen Putnam
Photographed By Nancy Clover
City councilors and community members in front of the Lincoln School on Thursday morning
The Lincoln School community, and the Melrose community at large, was on high alert this week after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity was reported close to the school on Wednesday morning.
Mayor Jen Grigoraitis wrote in a statement on Wednesday: “Earlier today, city officials received reports from a witness that at approximately 7 a.m. on Wednesday, federal law enforcement agents stopped a vehicle and detained the occupant near the intersection of West Wyoming Avenue and Corey Street in Melrose. We understand that this stop was part of a targeted operation.”
“Neither the Melrose Police Department nor the Mayor's office were informed of this operation in advance or after the fact, and we are seeking additional information and context from federal law enforcement agencies.”
“While we do not know the specific circumstances of or justifications for this detention, the City of Melrose does not cooperate or assist with federal immigration enforcement as a matter of local policy and state law. All residents are encouraged to review the City's list of resources for immigrants here. As always, the safety of our residents is our top priority.”
While there has been some ICE activity in neighboring communities, this is the first widely reported ICE arrest in Melrose itself in the last two years. Under the Biden administration, ICE was prohibited from carrying out operations at sensitive locations, including schools - a directive that was reversed at the beginning of the current Trump administration.
Lincoln School parents and community members were rattled by the presence of ICE just down the street from the school, less than an hour before children would begin arriving for school.
While there is no indication that this is part of a sustained operation in Melrose, community members offered support for those who might be concerned about ICE, with some offering to walk children to and from school.
Others, including several city councilors, came to the Lincoln School during school drop off and pick up to keep an eye on the neighborhood and ensure that children remained safe.