Fort Worth ISD substitute teacher urges ICE to remove students from high school

The Brief A substitute teacher used "X" to urge ICE agents to go to North Side High School in Fort Worth. She asked for students to be removed who she believed were in the U.S. illegally. The district says the substitute teacher involved would not be on campus during the investigation.

Fort Worth ISD is looking into a teacher's social media post urging Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to go to North Side High School to remove students believed to be in the U.S. illegally.

The probe was launched Friday night after the post appeared on "X".

"Y'all should come to Fort Worth, TX to Northside High School. I have many students who don't even speak English, and they are in 10th-11th grade. They have to communicate through their iPhone translator with me. The @USEDGOV should totally overhaul our school system in Texas."

It comes just days after President Trump issued a directive that allows ICE agents to remove undocumented immigrants, even from sensitive areas like churches and schools.

On Saturday, the district said the substitute teacher involved would not be on campus during the investigation.

Fort Worth ISD interim superintendent Karen Molinar sent out a message saying the district supports all families amid the President's actions.

"FWISD is aware of the issue regarding a viral social media post and is currently investigating the matter. Please be assured that we are taking this situation very seriously and are committed to resolving it as quickly as possible," said Roxanne Martinez, FWISD Trustee, District 9.

Fort Woth ISD issued the following statement:

We are aware of a recent social media post referencing North Side High School which was allegedly made by a substitute teacher and has caused concern among our Fort Worth ISD community.

We take this matter very seriously and are conducting a thorough investigation to understand the circumstances and ensure appropriate actions are taken. As per district protocol, the employee will not be on campus during the investigation.

We are committed to maintaining a positive and supportive environment for all students. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we address this matter.

Undocumented families across the country are feeling fear and worry after the Trump administration announced it would allow agencies to make immigration arrests at schools, churches and hospitals – ending a policy that had been in place since 2011.

Bob Sanborn is the president and CEO of the nonprofit Children at Risk.

"I think children are worried. I think their parents are very worried," Sanborn said. "I think people wonder, what is the next thing?"

He said, regardless of immigration status, children's education is protected by law.

"The Supreme Court has said that every child has an opportunity for an education, whether they're documented or undocumented, they have the ability to go to school in the United States," Sanborn said.

A protest in Fort Worth on Sunday called for the protection of children in North Texas schools.

Third grade teacher Jeanette Martinez says her students are afraid to come to class.

"Yes, just on Friday, three of my parents said they were not sending their kids to school anymore because they’re afraid," Martinez said.

A fear, she said, an 8-year-old shouldn't have.

"They don’t know, they don’t know all this is evil, they’re just trying to get an education, children should not be afraid, they should not," Martinez said.

Sanborn agrees, the kids should stay out of it.

"Yes, let's solve immigration, but let's not, let's not really worry kids any more than they need to be worried," Sanborn said.

Sanborn said more people are worried about President Donald Trump's second term as action is happening right out of the gate.

His first term had a more gradual build-up to immigration reform.