AUSTIN, TX — An Austin Independent School District teacher was recently detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), district officials confirmed.

The district sent a letter to families confirming that Roberto López Falcón, a teacher at Hart Elementary School, had been detained by ICE. School officials said they were not aware of complete details surrounding the incident but noted it did not occur at or near the campus.

“Mr. Lopez Falcon is a valued member of our school, and their well-being is deeply important to us,” Principal Larry Perez wrote in the letter.

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An ICE spokesperson said Lopez Falcon, originally from Cuba, “admitted to entering the U.S. without inspection or parole on March 22, 2022 when he was arrested by U.S. Border Patrol close to the San Luis, Arizona Port of Entry.”

He was released and was allowed to remain in the country “on a conditional basis pending a hearing before an immigration judge.” He was apprehended by ICE on Sept. 3 and will continue his proceedings, officials said.

“Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, the administration is committed to enforcing immigration laws by safely and efficiently arresting, detaining, and removing illegal aliens that took advantage of the Biden Administration’s failures at securing our southern border. Secretary Noem has made it clear that self-deportation is the best, safest, and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest and potential ban from the United States,” the ICE spokesperson said.

The school district has placed a long-term substitute teacher in the classroom along with a fifth-grade interventionist to maintain continuity for students.

The district offered counseling services for students affected by the news and provided resources to help families discuss the situation with their children.

“We understand that this news is deeply concerning and may be difficult for many members of our school community, and we appreciate your understanding and discretion,” Perez said.