Portland Grade School Says It Was Forced to Move Due to ‘Unsafe’ Tear Gas, Munitions from Neighboring ICE Facility

Portland Grade School Forced to Relocate Due to ‘Unsafe’ Tear Gas from Neighbouring ICE Facility

A Portland grade school has made the difficult decision to move its location in light of safety concerns stemming from clashes at a nearby ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) facility. The Cottonwood School, situated in Portland, Ore., has labelled the relocation as an “emergency move” amidst reports of escalating violence and dangers posed by the ICE facility.

School officials at Cottonwood School expressed their unease over the situation, citing the release of tear gas and munitions onto the school grounds as the primary reasons for their relocation. The matter came to light after local news outlets such as KATU, KGW8, and KPTV covered the school’s decision to move due to the actions of ICE agents towards protesters in the area.

Laura Cartwright, the interim executive director of Cottonwood School, revealed in an email that the school is currently in the process of relocating to ensure the safety of its students. The school has been dealing with tear gas emissions that have been deemed toxic and hazardous to the community surrounding the ICE facility. Furthermore, educators have reported discovering munitions on the school’s playground, raising concerns about the safety of the school environment.

Despite facing challenges during the relocation process, school administrators are determined to prioritize the well-being and safety of the students. Cartwright highlighted the impact of the chemical weapons used near the school, stating, “So daily, we were finding munitions on our play yard, we were getting footage in the evenings of green gases, and gases being used near our gardens and enveloping our area.” The harrowing experiences have necessitated the urgent move to a safer location.

The severity of the situation prompted Cottonwood School to make the necessary arrangements for the relocation to a school building owned by Bridges Middle School, located over a mile away. The decision to move comes just weeks before the start of the new school year, underlining the urgency of the situation and the dedication of the school staff to ensure a secure learning environment for the students.

As the school gears up to commence its academic year at the new location, concerns about the ongoing clashes and the deployment of tear gas by ICE agents remain at the forefront. School officials noted a significant increase in violent confrontations towards the end of the previous school year, leading to a decline in student enrolment due to safety apprehensions.

Amidst the challenges posed by the ICE facility’s actions, Cottonwood School remains steadfast in its commitment to providing a safe and nurturing educational environment for its students. With teachers actively involved in the relocation process and preparations for the upcoming school year underway, the school aims to ensure a smooth transition to the new premises across town.

Despite repeated outreach, ICE authorities have not responded to requests for comments on the situation. The lack of engagement from the agency adds to the uncertainty and concern surrounding the safety of the school community. The decision to relocate serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of external events on educational institutions and the importance of prioritising the safety and well-being of students.

The challenging circumstances faced by Cottonwood School underscore the need for measures to safeguard educational environments from external threats. The determination and resilience displayed by the school administration in ensuring a secure learning environment for students exemplify a commitment to prioritising student safety above all else. As the school community embarks on a new chapter at its relocated premises, the focus remains on fostering a nurturing and secure environment for students to thrive and learn without fear.