Teens' Immigration 'Game' Draws Warnings In Benicia

BENICIA, CA – Benicia parents were warned and police are increasing patrols as word spread that some area teens tonight are planning a controversial, outdoor "game," based on ICE activities, where older students pretend to be immigration agents and younger students play fleeing immigrants or "runners."

The Benicia Police Department "does not condone this insensitive and potentially dangerous activity," the agency said. "We encourage parents to speak with their children who may participate in it tonight. We will also have extra patrol officers and will enforce all vehicle and pedestrian laws."

A letter issued Thursday to parents from Benicia High School Principal Brianna Kleinschmidt stated that the uncondoned activity, dubbed "La Migra," a term for border patrol or immigration officials, is not only unsafe, but also "inappropriate and offensive."

During the game, younger students portraying undocumented individuals start at one location and must run to a second spot without being caught by the older teens. A captured student is dropped at an undisclosed locale, Kleinschmidt said.

These chases create "extremely unsafe situations" that potentially lead to reckless driving, speeding, physical injuries, "unsafe physical detainment, and students being left without the ability to contact someone to pick them up," she said in her missive.

In addition to safety concerns, Kleinschmidt added that the "game" lends itself to disrespect of people's race or country of origin.

"The young adults of Benicia are creative, talented, intelligent individuals who have the potential to join together to make a difference in our community," she said. "It is our intention that 'La Migra' not continue in our town and that we come together to participate in a new, more positive, and inclusive social experience."

>>>SEE FULL TEXT OF PRINCIPAL KLEINSCHMIDT'S LETTER HERE.<<<

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