Migrant Encounters with School Buses Spark Safety Concerns in California Community

Parents in the Jamul-Dulzura Union School District in San Diego County, California, have expressed growing concerns after a series of incidents where groups of migrants attempted to board school buses carrying children. The most recent occurrence happened during morning pickup on Wednesday along Highway 94 near Cochera Via, following a similar incident the day before in the same area.

Keeping Our Children Safe: A Community's Growing Concern

Unsettling Encounters on the School Bus Route

The incidents have left parents feeling uneasy, with one parent, Nicole Cardinale, describing the situation as "really scary." Cardinale's eight-year-old son was on the bus when a group of around 20 migrants tried to board the vehicle after it had stopped in Dulzura to pick up more students. The child recounted feeling confused and frightened by the migrants, who were wearing backpacks and could have been mistaken for high school students at first glance.Both the parents and the bus driver acted quickly to prevent the migrants from gaining access to the bus, but the experience has left a lasting impact. Cardinale's son was so shaken up that he refused to ride the bus on the following day.

A Pattern of Concern: Previous Incident and District Response

The Wednesday incident follows a similar occurrence on Tuesday, when a bus had to detour around a smaller group of migrants on the freeway who had attempted to make the vehicle stop. In response to these events, Jamul-Dulzura Union Superintendent Liz Bystedt sent an email to families informing them of the incidents and outlining new safety measures.Moving forward, bus drivers have been instructed to drive past a stop if a group of migrants is present, with parents being asked to pick up their children at the next available location. Bystedt emphasized the district's concerns about the unknown identities and intentions of the individuals attempting to board the buses.

Broader Context: The Rural East County Migration Challenge

Jeremy Adams, another parent in the district, explained that it is common to see migrants who have entered the country illegally in the rural East County area, with some individuals walking through people's properties or asking for assistance. However, Adams stated that the attempt to board a school bus is an even more concerning development, as it raises questions about the migrants' potential criminal backgrounds and the safety of the children.The school district is now working closely with the California Highway Patrol, the Sheriff's Office, and the U.S. Border Patrol to address the situation and ensure the safety of the students.

Uncertain Intentions and Unresolved Security Concerns

In a statement, a Customs and Border Protection spokesperson acknowledged the incidents, but did not provide any further details or clarification. The lack of information has only heightened the parents' concerns, as they struggle to understand the motivations and identities of the individuals attempting to board the school buses.The Jamul-Dulzura Union School District's efforts to enhance safety protocols and collaborate with law enforcement agencies demonstrate the community's determination to protect their children. However, the ongoing challenges posed by the migrant encounters have left parents in the district grappling with a sense of unease and a desire for more comprehensive solutions to ensure the well-being of their students.