In Danbury, Connecticut, reports have surfaced regarding immigration enforcement activities targeting parents at school bus stops. Democratic Senator Chris Murphy highlighted these actions in a recent social media post.
Murphy stated, “This morning in Danbury, ICE was arresting parents at school bus stops.” He noted that agents allegedly waited for children to board buses before proceeding with the arrests, leaving the children alone and fearful when dropped off later. Murphy announced plans to visit Danbury.
Although Murphy did not initially provide evidence of intentional timing, the allegations have prompted inquiries. Newsweek reached out to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for comments.
An immigrant advocacy group, Greater Danbury Area Unites for Immigrants, shared a video on Facebook, reportedly filmed from inside a school bus during these operations. The footage shows unmarked law enforcement-style vehicles navigating residential areas. Voices in the video identify the vehicles as belonging to ICE.
The group reported that ICE detained 48 individuals over a span of three days, including 22 people on the second day of the local school year. Witnesses claimed ICE vehicles circled bus stops as children disembarked. Concerns have grown among families, with some choosing to keep their children at home instead of sending them to school.
Danbury houses a significant immigrant population. According to U.S. Census Bureau data from 2020-2024, approximately 35 percent of Danbury’s residents were born outside the U.S.