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Watsonville Today
By the People, for the People
Watsonville teaching intern's ICE comment sparks district-wide backlash
Families question intern's ability to serve immigrant students as school leaders stress her views don't reflect district values.
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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A teaching intern at MacQuiddy Elementary in Watsonville has been placed on leave after a Facebook comment praising ICE drew strong backlash from local parents in the largely Latino Pajaro Valley Unified district. Families questioned whether she could fairly serve immigrant students, while school leaders stressed her views don't reflect district values and began searching for a long-term substitute.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement and the role of educators in diverse communities. As a teaching intern, the individual's comments have raised concerns about their ability to provide an inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students, especially those from immigrant backgrounds.
The details
According to reports, the teaching intern at MacQuiddy Elementary made a Facebook comment expressing support for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This sparked outrage from parents in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District, which serves a largely Latino student population. Families questioned whether the intern could fairly and sensitively serve immigrant students, while school district leaders stressed that her views do not align with the district's values of inclusion and diversity.
- The teaching intern was placed on leave after the Facebook comment was made.
The players
MacQuiddy Elementary
An elementary school in Watsonville, California that is part of the Pajaro Valley Unified School District.
Pajaro Valley Unified School District
A school district serving the Watsonville area, with a largely Latino student population.
Teaching Intern
An individual placed in a teaching internship role at MacQuiddy Elementary.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)
What’s next
The school district is searching for a long-term substitute to replace the teaching intern while they investigate the incident and determine appropriate next steps.
The takeaway
This incident underscores the importance of educators upholding values of inclusion and diversity, especially in communities with large immigrant populations. The school district's response highlights their commitment to ensuring all students feel safe, welcomed and supported in their learning environment.
