In Duval County, a wave of anxiety about immigration enforcement is sweeping through some immigrant communities, prompting volunteers to step in and ensure children can attend school without interruption.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Heightened fears regarding immigration enforcement have led to a climate of apprehension among several immigrant families in Duval County. Parents are increasingly afraid to leave their homes for commonplace activities, such as taking their kids to school.
One local mother shared with First Coast News how these fears are impacting everyday routines, prompting her to offer her assistance.
“I couldn’t stand by and do nothing,” said Gamble Scott, a mother of two. “I want my children to attend school, I want families to have food on their tables, and most importantly, I want them to feel secure.”
“A parent reached out through a mutual acquaintance, expressing her fear about leaving home to drop off her child at school, and it really touched me,” she continued. “I don’t want families to live in fear, nor do I want children to miss their education.”
Moved by the situation, Scott turned to social media to extend her help.
“I wanted to offer up that there are many people, including myself, who would happily help with transportation if that helps kids get to school, where families can remain at home where that might be the safest place for them right now.”
She said the response has been overwhelming, with messages pouring in from people needing help and others eager to provide it.
“It is encouraging to see the compassion that a lot of people in our community do have,” she said.”
At the start of his second term, President Donald Trump said he would no longer bar federal immigration agencies from making arrests at or near schools, churches and hospitals, ending a policy that had been in effect since 2011.
Duval County Public Schools told First Coast News that there has been no ICE activity in DCPS schools. Officials shared that same message last year.
In 2025, DCPS provided guidance to staff outlining how principals should respond if ICE agents arrive on campus, including notifying parents if a specific student is requested and consulting legal counsel before releasing any student records.
While questions and concerns remain for many families, Scott wants to make sure fear doesn’t stop them from getting the help they need.
“These are our friends, our neighbors, our classmates,” said Scott, “We shop with them in the grocery store. Our kids play with their kids on the playground. They are humans just like us.”
A spokesperson with Duval County Public Schools told First Coast News that if there are any updates, the district will communicate with staff, stakeholders and the school community.
