ICE raid on Filipino Maui teachers prompts reaction from US Sen. Schatz

US Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaiʻi) is speaking out against a reported ICE raid on a group of Maui teachers. He called the reported interrogation of Filipino teachers in their home by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents “a shameful abuse of power.”

Hawaiʻi Department of Education officials released a statement saying the situation was resolved on site with no arrests.  

“We want to emphasize that our international teachers are employed through the US Department of State’s J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program, which allows qualified educators from other countries to work in the US legally as part of a cultural and educational exchange,” said HIDOE spokesperson Nanea Ching.

Maui Now reached out to the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and is awaiting official response. This article may be updated as more information is received.

The encounter was reportedly executed on Tuesday as part of a federal search warrant involving an immigration investigation.

Sen. Schatz said his office is in contact with the affected employees and is coordinating with the program sponsor to ensure they are supported. According to the senator, they teach at different schools, the majority in Central Maui.