Immigration arrests have surged in San Diego, including near schools, in what news outlets report is a 45-day ICE operation called "Operation Safe California." ICE has not confirmed the operation and says it does not discuss its operations.
The Washington Examiner first reported the statewide push. Citing sources, it said the push begins in San Diego and directs agents to arrest people in the country illegally whom they encounter, regardless of criminal history. Community monitors report arrests in City Heights, El Cajon, Spring Valley, San Marcos and Escondido.
On Thursday, Sen. Adam Schiff, four Democratic House members and San Diego Unified leaders met at Point Loma High School to demand that ICE stop arrests near schools. They cited two parents, whose Temporary Protected Status had been revoked, who were detained minutes after morning drop-off near John Marshall Elementary last month.
"The cruelty is the policy," Schiff said.
The Department of Homeland Security called the visit "nothing more than a political stunt by California sanctuary politicians." "ICE is not going to schools to arrest children—we are protecting children. Criminals are no longer able to hide in America's schools to avoid arrest," a spokesperson said. The spokesperson said the administration "trusts" officers "to use common sense" and that a school arrest would happen only to protect public safety, adding, "this has not happened."
Rep. Mike Levin said federal officials refused lawmakers' requests to have agents show IDs, remove masks and avoid sensitive locations.
Photo: ICE officers in West Palm Beach, Florida, Feb. 2025. U.S. ICE / Public domain
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