A joint Statement from Garden Grove Unified School District Board Member Walter Muñeton and VietRISE:

In the morning of August 19, 2025, at approximately 7:50 a.m, six Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) vehicles wrongfully apprehended a father after he dropped off his child at one of Garden Grove’s School Unified District (GGUSD) 45 elementary schools.

The father was handcuffed and taken to a detention center, where, after verifying his identity and presenting documentation, he was released within the hour. 

In response, the school’s principal immediately followed district protocols, placed the school on a secure lockdown to protect students, directly updated their families, and deployed crisis response teams, including counselors, social workers, and a therapy dog.

ICE’s behavior is not accidental; it is the cultural norm encouraged by the current administration. This kind of rogue activity near schools is dangerous and unacceptable. Every child has the right to attend school without fear, and we will not allow our schools to become targets of intimidation or enforcement.

Our district leadership, school administration, and crisis response teams did the right thing today, and their dedication demonstrates our district’s unwavering commitment to student safety and well-being.

Our local elected officials should take note of the district’s leadership and quick response by standing with us and reaching out in partnership, to show they are taking our community’s well-being and safety seriously.