Federal Immigration Enforcement Causes Panic at Lindenwold School Bus Stop

Students flee in fear as ICE agents arrive at apartment complex during morning pickup

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Federal immigration officers reportedly approached young students at a Lindenwold, New Jersey apartment complex bus stop on Monday, causing panic and fear among the fourth and fifth grade children waiting for their school bus. Ring camera footage shows students running and yelling "ICE" as multiple enforcement vehicles arrived at the scene. School officials said counselors were sent to the school to provide support for the upset and emotional students.

Why it matters

This incident has raised concerns about the impact of federal immigration enforcement actions on children and families, especially when conducted in sensitive locations like school bus stops. The fear and confusion experienced by the young students highlights the potential trauma that can result from such encounters, underscoring the need for policies that protect vulnerable populations.

The details

According to the Lindenwold School District, federal immigration officers arrived at the Woodland Village Apartment Complex on Monday morning as students were waiting for their school bus. Ring camera footage posted on a community Facebook page shows children running away from the bus stop and yelling "ICE" as multiple enforcement vehicles pulled up to the area. School officials said the presence of the federal officers led to confusion and fear, causing students to flee the scene. The district confirmed that many children arrived at school upset and emotional, and counselors were deployed to provide support and care.

  • The incident occurred on Monday morning as students were waiting for their school bus at the Woodland Village Apartment Complex in Lindenwold, New Jersey.

The players

Lindenwold School District

The school district that serves the Lindenwold community, where the incident took place.

Neffertiti Datts

A parent whose son was at the bus stop during the federal immigration enforcement action.

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What they’re saying

“He was scared. He was shaken. Honestly it's sad. It's sad. It's upsetting. It's crazy that these kids had to go through this whole situation and they're only in 4th and 5th grade.”

— Neffertiti Datts, Parent (fox29.com)

What’s next

The Lindenwold School District has stated that the safety and emotional well-being of students remains a priority, and that both bilingual and English-speaking counselors were sent to the school to provide care and reassurance for the affected students.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the traumatic impact that federal immigration enforcement actions can have on children, especially when conducted in sensitive locations like school bus stops. It underscores the need for policies and practices that protect vulnerable populations and minimize the harm caused to young students.