ICE Arrests Illegal Immigrant Working as Fifth Grade Teacher in Colorado
An illegal immigrant who had been working as a fifth grade teacher at a Colorado elementary school was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement during a routine check-in, according to federal officials.
Marina Ortiz-Abollaneda, originally from Peru, crossed into the U.S. illegally in 2022 and was later released under Biden-era border policies that have allowed millions to enter the country while awaiting immigration proceedings. She eventually received a work permit and was hired by Global Village Academy in Parker, a Denver suburb, to teach fifth grade.
Ortiz-Abollaneda was taken into custody alongside family members on Friday while reporting for a scheduled appointment with ICE, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed.
Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary at DHS, said Ortiz-Abollaneda’s case is another example of how the border crisis has impacted communities far from the southern border. She pointed the finger at policies that allowed for mass catch-and-release of migrants.
McLaughlin urged illegal immigrants to consider self-deportation, stating that the U.S. is offering $1,000 and free flights for those who voluntarily leave through the CBP Home App.
The elementary school where Ortiz-Abollaneda worked is now scrambling to explore legal options to get her back in the classroom. Principal Stacy Bush notified parents in a letter that the school is working with attorneys to find a way to bring the teacher back.
Douglas County Board of Education Director Susan Meek issued a statement expressing sadness over the arrest, saying it has sent a “chilling message” to families living in the district.
Critics argue that the situation highlights how sanctuary policies and lax immigration enforcement have allowed individuals without legal status — and in some cases with criminal records — to hold sensitive positions, including those responsible for educating American children.
In a separate case earlier this year, ICE arrested Ian Andre Roberts, the superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, after discovering he was in the country illegally and had a criminal history. The incident drew national attention and sparked calls for tighter background checks and immigration vetting in schools across the country.
Ortiz-Abollaneda’s arrest has sparked local and national debate over the Biden administration’s handling of illegal immigration and the long-term consequences of allowing non-citizens to work in public education systems.