A San Diego influencer was sheltered by a high school principal after US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents tried to arrest him.
The incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. during student drop-off Wednesday, when 24-year-old Arturo Gonzalez was being pursued by ICE officers conducting a targeted enforcement operation in the area.
According to NBC San Diego, Gonzalez was allowed into King Chavez High School by Principal Desi Sullivan as federal authorities chased him near the campus.
Video footage shows Gonzalez walking in front of an ICE agent’s SUV as it moved toward the sidewalk, loudly protesting, “La Migra. Don’t f–king hit me, bitch. I’m in public. I can stand any place I want.”
When the vehicle stopped and an agent began to exit, Gonzalez ran approximately a block to the high school.
At the school, Principal Sullivan met Gonzalez at the front gate and instructed others nearby, “Can you just back off? I need to keep kids safe.”
She then opened the door and told Gonzalez, “Open the door and go inside. Go inside, please.”
Gonzalez said he had only met the principal that morning and described himself as fortunate that her intervention likely prevented his detention or potential charges.
When asked whether Gonzalez had shown identification or identified himself to the school, Sullivan declined to comment.
The event has sparked a strong reaction from social media users. One viewer said online: “This situation raises serious safety concerns. Regardless of anyone’s political views, the safety of students should always come first.”
ICE also issued a statement regarding the incident. According to the agency, Gonzalez has a documented criminal history, including arrests for assault with a deadly weapon, DUI, a conviction for reckless driving, and a 2023 restraining order stemming from a domestic violence case.
“Running from law enforcement into an active school campus created a dangerous situation and unnecessarily put children, staff, and officers at risk,” ICE’s San Diego County office wrote on X.
“It is deeply disturbing that a school administrator allowed an individual with no affiliation to the school who was actively fleeing from federal officers and has documented criminal history to remain inside the campus. Anyone who interferes with federal law enforcement officers performing their duties may face arrest.”
King Chavez High School is listed as a charter school operating under the oversight of the San Diego Unified School District, though a district spokesperson clarified the school is not directly part of the district.
Gonzalez left the campus once ICE officers left the area.
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