JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The fear of immigration authorities is causing significant distress among some immigrant families in Duval County. Parents are becoming increasingly apprehensive about performing everyday tasks, such as escorting their kids to school.

One local mother shared with First Coast News how these concerns are having a tangible impact on daily routines, motivating her to offer her support.

“Not helping isn’t an option for me. I want to ensure my kids attend school, that families have food on their tables, and that they feel secure,” said Gamble Scott, a mother of two.

“I learned about a situation through a friend where a parent was too frightened to leave home to take her child to school, and it really struck a chord with me,” she explained. “I don’t want families to live in fear, and I certainly don’t want children to miss out on their education.”

Scott took to social media offering to 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.