Students at Roosevelt High School say a teacher threatened to call ICE on them while they were in the classroom.

Daniel Battle says he was in an In-School-Suspension (ISS) class where students were supposed to sign in. However, he says many kids sign fake names or scribble on the paper instead.

When the teacher found out some kids were not writing their real names, he allegedly went to get the assistant principal and then said he could call ICE on them.

“I was like, ‘that's not OK. Like, why would you say that?’” Battle said. “Especially in a classroom with a lot of Hispanic kids. That's not something you should say. And then he's like, ‘Oh no, that's not how I meant it. But it is true, though.’”

Battle said he angrily walked out of the classroom after the teacher’s comments and went straight to the principal to file a report.

“I did the right thing to stand up for, not just myself and my peers,” Battle said.

Dr. Shawn Wightman, superintendent of Roosevelt Union Free School District, sent a letter to families this evening saying it’s reviewing the allegations and, “the substitute staff member has been removed from the after-school assignment pending the outcome of the review.”

They also wrote, “We recognize that references to immigration enforcement can be deeply distressing for some students and families. Counseling and support services are available for any student who feels impacted.”

Battle’s mom, Raquel Medrano, said she was angry and upset when she heard what happened.

“It's just making the fear that they already have inside of them grow,” Medrano said. “Instead of help making them feel safe and giving them a safe haven, it's like, ‘Should I go to school today? What if I don't come home?’”

Medrano says her son has been stopped by ICE before, and he’s had classmates taken into custody.

“My parents are citizens. I was born here,” Medrano said. “But we look like whatever they're looking for, I guess.”

School officials are encouraging any students or staff with first-hand information to report it to the district so it can be a part of their review. They also say once the review is complete, they’ll take the appropriate actions that are consistent with their policies.