Full Breakdown
Panic Erupts Among Students During ICE Operation in Lindenwold, New Jersey
2/14/2026, 12:34:13 AM
Incident Overview
On Thursday morning, February 12, 2023, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation near a school bus stop in Lindenwold, New Jersey, caused significant panic among elementary school students. Fourth and fifth graders waiting at the Woodland Village Apartments bus stop fled the area as multiple enforcement vehicles arrived, prompting fear and confusion. The Lindenwold School District reported that the presence of ICE agents led to several children running away, with some shouting "ICE! ICE!" as they escaped.
Immediate Response and Support
The bus driver, witnessing the chaos, acted promptly by circling back multiple times to ensure that as many children as possible were safely transported to school. Upon arrival, many students were visibly upset, leading the school district to deploy bilingual and English-speaking counselors to provide emotional support. Superintendent Kristin O'Neil emphasized the district's commitment to the safety and well-being of its students, stating, "Our students deserve to feel safe while waiting for their school bus and while attending school each day."
Community Reactions
Local officials expressed outrage over the incident. Camden County Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli Jr. described the operation as "appalling" and noted the chaos it caused among children. He remarked, "The impact and fear that struck the children of our county was painful to watch," highlighting the trauma experienced by the young students. Commissioner Jonathan Young echoed these sentiments, criticizing ICE's tactics and stating, "No one wants criminals in their community, but under Trump, ICE has been inhumane in how it conducts its operations."
Criticism of ICE Operations
The incident has sparked broader discussions about ICE's enforcement methods, particularly in sensitive areas such as schools. U.S. Representative Donald Norcross condemned the operation, asserting that "schoolchildren are not criminals," and called for enforcement actions to reflect this principle. He, along with other officials, is seeking more information about the intentions behind the ICE operation, which reportedly involved a 911 call for local police assistance during the enforcement action.
Ongoing Concerns and Future Actions
In the aftermath of the incident, the Lindenwold School District is coordinating with parents regarding school dismissal and monitoring bus loading to ensure student safety. The district has also reached out to state and county representatives to advocate for protocols that prioritize the safety of children during future ICE operations. The community's response has included planned protests against ICE activities, reflecting growing concerns about the impact of such operations on local families.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The presence of multiple enforcement vehicles caused significant fear and confusion, and several students ran from the bus stop.” — Kristin O'Neil, Superintendent, Lindenwold School District
- “The impact and fear that struck the children of our county was painful to watch and I can’t imagine the anxiety and trauma that came from this incident,” — Louis Cappelli Jr., Camden County Commissioner Director
- “No one wants criminals in their community, that said, under Trump, ICE has been inhumane in how it conducts its operations.” — Jonathan Young, Camden County Commissioner
This incident underscores the tension between immigration enforcement and community safety, particularly in environments where children are present. The Lindenwold School District continues to prioritize the emotional well-being of its students while navigating the implications of federal enforcement actions in their vicinity.
