The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has denied accusations that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) targeted parents at school bus stops in Danbury, Connecticut, to intimidate children. White House border czar Tom Homan also rejected the claims, stating that ICE does not engage in terrorizing children but enforces laws enacted by Congress.

Senator Chris Murphy, D-Conn., had posted on X, formerly Twitter, that ICE was "just targeting parents sitting at school bus stops just to terrorize little kids." In response, a DHS spokesperson stated, "Any claim that ICE targeted parents at a school bus stop is FALSE." The spokesperson added that Murphy's narrative was "a work of fiction aimed at scoring cheap political points at the expense of our officers, who are facing a 1,300% increase in assaults against them, a 3,200% increase in vehicular attacks against them, and an 8,000% increase in death threats against them."

Homan, appearing on CNN's "State of the Union," echoed the DHS stance, emphasizing that ICE's mission is law enforcement. "ICE isn't in the business of terrorizing children," Homan said. "That's just political fire. ICE is out there enforcing the law that was enacted by Congress." He acknowledged that while ICE may arrest individuals who are parents, the agency's focus is not on terrorizing children.

Homan also noted that ICE no longer adheres to a former sensitive-locations policy. The Biden-era guidance was rescinded in January 2025, restoring officers' discretion to conduct enforcement operations in or near schools, hospitals, and places of worship. The DHS stated that under the current administration, "if you break the law, you will face the consequences."

DHS identified the individual arrested in Danbury as Leonel Geovanny Morocho-Arteaga, 28, who had entered the U.S. illegally and was released by Border Patrol in 2021. During a vehicle stop, agents reportedly found a large kitchen knife in his car. Court records indicate Morocho-Arteaga filed a habeas corpus petition in Connecticut on the day of his arrest.

Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves reported that nearly 50 community members were detained in the area last week, with ICE activity observed near schools and a daycare. An advocacy group further stated that four parents were taken into custody while school buses were present.