Lompoc Preschool Teacher on Leave following Weekend Altercation with Peaceful Protesters
LOMPOC, Calif. — A Lompoc preschool teacher is on administrative leave following an altercation last weekend with local ICE protesters.
A video of the incident, along with public commentary, has been circulating on social media.
"I see people saying that it's kind of unfair that she's getting blasted online, but to me, in the age of the internet, you have to be really careful with everything you do," said Tajai Fletes, a Lompoc resident. "Especially something like that, because people are going to take videos, and they’re going to destroy you."
Local preschool teacher Rebecca Arreola approached a peaceful gathering of ICE protesters in Lompoc on February 1.
She was seen in the video chanting "deportation" and jumping up and down.
Tensions quickly escalated, and Arreola appeared to push a protester, leading to a brief scuffle.
One young man who knows Arreola said he was surprised by his former teacher’s behavior.
"She was one of my preschool teachers. She was always very nice. I never felt scared of her or anything," Fletes said. "That’s why I would continue to talk to her in public if I saw her. I would never try to ignore her, which is why this really surprised me. For her to act out like this—I would have never expected that, especially from her."
Staff at Jasper’s, a popular Lompoc bar, said both Arreola and a protester had been drinking there that day.
"My idea would be that she was probably under the influence of something—drinking. There’s a bar right here," Fletes said.
In the video, a woman is heard telling protesters that Arreola had been drinking.
Arreola has been placed on paid administrative leave.
On Monday, the Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO) released a statement regarding the incident:
"SBCEO is aware of an incident involving one of our employees during a protest in Lompoc over the weekend. The incident is being investigated and will be handled with care. The employee involved has been placed on administrative leave effective today. As a public agency, state and federal laws require us to keep personnel matters confidential; therefore, the investigation and any related outcomes will remain confidential. As always, SBCEO is committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all."
The case is currently under investigation by local law enforcement. City officials have stated they will maintain confidentiality for all parties involved until the investigation is complete.
"Everyone is innocent until proven guilty. Let the process play out," said Lompoc Mayor Jim Mosby.
