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SAISD educator under investigation for alleged support of ICE raids on TikTok

The status of the educator’s position — whether he was terminated or placed on leave — remains unclear

SAN ANTONIO – An educator at Lorenzo De Zavala Elementary School is facing criticism for making a social media post that called for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to raid San Antonio.

A TikTok post with the ICE logo in the background said, “Track the EBT Cards. Raid every school. Set up shop in ERs. Audit all housing.”

The educator is accused of commenting on the TikTok post saying, “Come to San Antonio, TX, please.”

>> Gov. Greg Abbott announces deployment of Texas DPS troopers, special agents to assist federal immigration efforts

When KSAT asked the San Antonio Independent School District for a statement on the teacher’s comment, the district’s Chief Communications Officer, Laura Short, said, “The matter is under investigation.”

The principal of Lorenzo De Zavala Elementary School, Dr. Gloria Martinez, further elaborated on the district’s investigation in a notification obtained by KSAT.

“It has been reported to us that a staff member created social media posts over the weekend, and these posts are generating questions and concerns from our families,” the notification said.

Martinez ensured that “Safety is a top priority at SAISD schools, and we want to keep families informed of situations as soon as we are able.”

Last week, the district’s board president and superintendent addressed the Trump administration’s efforts to deport undocumented immigrants in a letter sent to SAISD families and staff.

“SAISD is here to support you. From making sure your little ones are taken care of with childcare, to ensuring everyone has enough to eat and wear, and even offering guidance on parenting and managing finances, we’ve got you covered,” the letter said.

The district shared that their schools are places “where diversity is celebrated, and every child is valued for who they are.”

The status of the teacher’s position at Lorenzo De Zavala Elementary School — whether he was terminated or placed on leave — remains unclear.

With President Donald Trump cracking down on immigrants in the country illegally, families around the U.S. are worried about whether it is safe to send their children to school.

The Trump administration announced last week that it would allow federal immigration agencies to make arrests at schools, churches and hospitals. This ended a policy that had been in place since the early 2010s.

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About the Authors
Spencer Heath headshot

Spencer Heath is a Digital Journalist at KSAT. Spencer graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, where he studied Radio-Television-Film. He’s worked as a journalist in San Antonio since June of 2022. Outside the newsroom, he enjoys watching movies and spending time with family.

Daniela Ibarra headshot

Daniela Ibarra joined the KSAT News team in July 2023. This isn’t her first time in the KSAT newsroom– the San Antonio native spent the summer of 2017 as an intern. Daniela is a proud Mean Green alum, earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of North Texas.

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