Lindenwold Students Flee Bus Stop After Spotting ICE Agents

Presence of immigration enforcement sparks panic and fear among young students waiting for school bus.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A group of 4th and 5th-grade students in Lindenwold, New Jersey fled their school bus stop on Thursday morning after spotting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in a nearby apartment complex. The incident caused significant fear and confusion among the young children, some of whom called 911 for help.

Why it matters

The presence of ICE agents in immigrant communities has sparked growing protests and walkouts at schools across New Jersey and neighboring states, as families fear deportation and separation. This latest incident highlights the traumatic impact these enforcement actions can have on children, raising concerns about the effects on student wellbeing and education.

The details

Video footage captured dozens of students yelling "ICE!" as they ran through the parking lot of the Woodland Village Apartments. A bus driver quickly circled the lot to collect the frightened children and ensure they made it safely onto the bus. Counselors were later brought in to provide care and reassurance to the students at school.

  • The incident occurred on the morning of Thursday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Lindenwold School District

The school district that oversees the elementary school where the incident took place, and whose staff responded to provide support to the affected students.

Louis Cappelli Jr.

The Camden County Board of Commissioners Director, who condemned the incident as "appalling" and said he would work with a local congressman to gather more information.

U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross

The Democratic congressman for New Jersey's 1st congressional district, who Cappelli said he would work with to investigate the incident further.

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What they’re saying

“The impact and fear that struck the children of our county was painful to watch and I can't imagine the anxiety and trauma that came from this incident.”

— Louis Cappelli Jr., Camden County Board of Commissioners Director (wobm.com)

“Furthermore, as a community, segments of our population are being terrorized and scared to leave their homes. This is no way for any of us to live.”

— Louis Cappelli Jr., Camden County Board of Commissioners Director (wobm.com)

What’s next

Local officials and community leaders have vowed to investigate the incident further and work to address the broader impacts of ICE enforcement actions on immigrant families in the area.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the traumatic effects that the presence of immigration enforcement can have on children, and the growing concerns within immigrant communities about the disruption and fear caused by such actions. It highlights the need for policies and practices that prioritize the wellbeing and safety of all students, regardless of immigration status.