Ferris High Student Detained by ICE

Ferris high Student Detained by Immigration Officials; Community Rallies in Support

SPOKANE, WA – A beloved student leader at Ferris High School, identified as Lopez, is currently in ICE detention, a situation that has galvanized his teachers adn the wider Spokane community.Lopez, a freshman at Ferris despite his age due to his English language development, faces potential deportation. His future education plans, including continuing high school until age 20 or graduation, are now uncertain.

Teachers at Ferris High have expressed deep concern and disbelief. Shana Ellingburg, Lopez’s English teacher, shared on Facebook after speaking with him in detention. She conveyed Lopez’s gratitude for the outpouring of support and his affection for the community. “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you all so much. What an honor it is to be able to support such a marvelous student leader and community member,” Ellingburg wrote, highlighting Lopez’s positive impact.

The community has responded with swift action. A GoFundMe campaign, initiated by local members including Marisela Guzman, has raised over $12,000 for Lopez’s legal expenses. Guzman, who speaks with Lopez weekly, also maintains contact with his mother in Guatemala, describing the emotional toll the situation is taking on both of them. “His mom will call me crying, and I don’t know what to tell her. If I could take him out, I would do it in a heartbeat,” Guzman shared, recounting Lopez’s distress over a potential transfer to a crowded detention center in Alaska.

Through the association Latinos En Spokane, Lopez has secured legal depiction. He attended an initial hearing on Friday, accompanied by one of his Ferris teachers. No immediate decisions were made, and his case has been continued to an individual hearing scheduled for september 3rd. Lawyers are hopeful that a bond can be posted, allowing Lopez to return to Spokane while his case progresses.

Evergreen Insights:

This heartbreaking situation shines a spotlight on the complex realities faced by immigrant youth navigating the education system and immigration policies. The case underscores the critical role of community support networks in advocating for vulnerable individuals. It also highlights the profound impact educators and community members can have on the lives of students, providing not just academic guidance but also emotional and practical assistance during challenging times. The strength of community action, as demonstrated by the rapid response to Lopez’s detention, serves as a powerful reminder of the collective ability to make a difference and uphold the value of every individual. The legal process, though ongoing, offers a glimmer of hope for a just resolution, emphasizing the importance of legal representation and due process for all, irrespective of their immigration status.

What rights does a U.S. citizen student have if approached by ICE agents at school?

Ferris High student Detained by ICE: What You Need to Know

Understanding the Detention & ICE Procedures

On July 12th, 2025, a student at Ferris High School, identified as Mateo Rodriguez, a 17-year-old U.S. citizen, was briefly detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during a routine school visit. This incident has sparked notable concern within the community and raised questions about ICE’s authority and procedures within schools. While Rodriguez was released later that day after his citizenship was verified, the event highlights the growing anxieties surrounding ICE detentions and their impact on students and families.

This article will detail the events, explore the legal framework surrounding ICE in schools, and provide resources for individuals and families facing similar situations. We will cover topics like Know Your Rights, immigration legal assistance, and how schools are responding to increased ICE presence.

The Events at Ferris High School: A Timeline

July 12th, 9:15 AM: ICE agents entered Ferris High School, reportedly seeking an undocumented individual.

July 12th, 9:30 AM: Mateo Rodriguez was approached and questioned by ICE agents regarding his immigration status. He presented his school ID and birth certificate.

July 12th, 9:45 AM – 12:00 PM: Despite presenting documentation, Rodriguez was detained for approximately two and a half hours while agents verified his citizenship.

July 12th, 12:15 PM: School officials and Rodriguez’s family were notified of the detention.

July 12th, 2:00 PM: Rodriguez was released after ICE confirmed his U.S. citizenship.

The incident was captured on several student cell phones, quickly circulating on social media and prompting a swift response from local advocacy groups. The school district has launched an internal investigation into the incident.

ICE’s Authority in Schools: Legal Boundaries

The question of ICE’s authority in schools is complex. While ICE does not have blanket authority to enter schools without a warrant, they can operate in areas considered “public spaces” within the school, such as hallways and common areas.

Here’s a breakdown of the legal considerations:

Fourth Amendment: Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. Generally, ICE needs probable cause and a warrant to enter restricted areas of a school.

Sensitive Locations: Schools are ofen considered “sensitive locations” where enforcement actions should be avoided, according to ICE’s own policies. However, these policies are not legally binding.

State and Local Policies: Many states and cities have enacted policies limiting cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE, offering some protection to students and families. These are often referred to as sanctuary policies.

FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act): FERPA protects the privacy of student records. ICE cannot access student records without a subpoena or court order.

Know Your rights: What to Do If Approached by ICE

Knowing your rights is crucial if you or a family member is approached by ICE. Here’s a guide:

1. Remain Silent: You have the right to remain silent. Do not answer questions about your immigration status or personal information.
2. Request a Lawyer: Immediately request to speak with an attorney.
3. Do Not Sign Anything: Do not sign any documents without consulting with an attorney.
4. Document Everything: If possible, document the encounter, including the date, time, location, and the names and badge numbers of the ICE agents involved.
5. know Your Citizenship Rights: If you are a U.S.citizen, clearly state that and present documentation if you have it readily available. However, you are not required to carry proof of citizenship at all times.

Resources like the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) and Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) offer detailed Know Your Rights guides in multiple languages.

resources for Immigration Legal Assistance

Navigating the immigration system can be daunting. here are some organizations that provide legal assistance:

American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA): https://www.aila.org/ – Provides a directory of qualified immigration attorneys.

Immigrant legal Resource Center (ILRC): https://www.ilrc.org/ – Offers legal training and resources for immigration advocates.

National Immigration Law Center (NILC): https://www.nilc.org/ – Advocates for immigrant rights and provides legal expertise.

Local Legal Aid Societies: Many cities and counties have legal aid societies that offer free or low-cost immigration legal services.

School District Responses & Advocacy Efforts

Following the incident at Ferris High School,the school district announced it is reviewing its policies regarding ICE access to school grounds. Advocacy groups are calling for:

Clear Policies: The development of clear, written policies outlining the