Alleged ICE Checkpoint in Thermal Sparks Response from Coachella Valley Schools, Teachers

Reports of alleged U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity near Coachella Valley Unified School District boundaries on Thursday prompted responses from both the district and the local teachers' association.

The Coachella Valley Teachers Association said it was made aware of a reported checkpoint at Avenue 70 and Harrison Street in Thermal. The association said there were unconfirmed reports that parents of CVUSD students were detained. TODEC Legal Center confirmed to our newsroom that multiple community members were detained at the location.

Videos circulating on social media appeared to show federal agents stopping vehicles in the area. One video shows suspected agents pulling a man from his vehicle after he declined to open his door. ICE has not responded to requests from NBC Palm Springs for confirmation of its involvement.

In a statement on Thursday, the teachers' association said the checkpoint disrupted students and families trying to get to school or work. "Immigration policies should guarantee human rights and protect the integrity of the family unit," the statement read. "Every student has the right to a free public education free from harassment."

CVUSD Superintendent Dr. Frances Esparza released a separate statement Thursday saying the district has procedures in place to respond to immigration enforcement activity. The statement emphasized student safety and privacy protections but did not confirm any enforcement presence. Families seeking support can contact CVUSD Student Support Services at (760) 848-1161 or TODEC Legal Center at (951) 943-1955.

The reports come amid heightened attention on immigration enforcement in the region. Luis Beltran Yanez Cruz, 68, died last week in Indio while in ICE custody. ICE officials said he died from heart issues after being airlifted from the Imperial Regional Detention Facility. 

A community vigil for Yanez Cruz will be held on Friday at 6 p.m. at Our Lady of Soledad Catholic Church in Coachella.