LAUSD Superintendent addresses ICE activity in Los Angeles: 'Schools are safe places'

LAUSD addresses ICE presence across Los Angeles

On Monday morning, Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho addressed the presence of federal authorities across LA and wants families to feel supported.

LOS ANGELES - Protests resulting from immigration raids in Los Angeles County entered a fourth day Monday.

The Los Angles Unified School District (LAUSD) announced schools will operate as normal and will provide additional support for students and families as needed.

Additionally, the district is doubling down on its commitment to keep schools safe for all students, regardless of immigration status.

LAUSD Response:

The LAUSD issued a statement on Sunday confirming that schools would continue to function normally, urging families to exercise extra caution with students.

In response, the district is also implementing efforts to ensure student safety, which include providing additional mental health services, restorative justice activities, increasing support staff, and maintaining close coordination with public safety partners.

During a press conference Monday, Superintendent Alberto Carvalho doubled down on ensuring parents that schools are safe spaces for all students.

"At Los Angeles Unified, we have a commitment to protect the rights, the opportunities for every single child, every one of our workforce members, and the families we serve. No questions asked," he said.

"Every student in our community [and] every student across the country has a constitutional right to a free public education of high quality, without threat. Every one of our students, independently of their immigration status, has a right to a free meal in our schools. Every one of our children, no questions asked, has the right to counseling, social and emotional support, mental support, in addition to great education. Our schools are safe places. Our schools are places of education and inspiration, not fear and intimidation," Carvalho added.

Carvalho shared that there are currently "federal vans" parked within two blocks of public schools, but did not name which schools.

LAUSD Superintendent condemns ICE intimidation tactics

Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho spoke out on Monday condemning the fear-mongering and intimidation tactics being used by ICE.

"No action has been taken, but we interpret those actions as actions of intimidation, instilling fear that may lead to self-deportation," he said. "Not on our watch shall people trample over children's rights, not on our watch shall people be intimidated, not on watch shall we succumb to unreasonable pressures first to do that which is not human or humane or humanitarian."

Additionally, Carvalho addressed safety concerns during graduation ceremonies, the majority of which are happening Monday and Tuesday.

"Every single graduation site is a protected site. I have directed our own police force to redouble their efforts and establish perimeters of safety around graduation sites to interfere and intervene any agency who may want to take action during these joyous times that we call graduation," he said. "Not on our watch."

"Every child and their parent has a right to celebrate the culmination of their educational success."

Parents of graduating students will be allowed to remain at the venue "for as long as it takes" in the event there is any immigration enforcement action around where the graduations are taking place, Carvalho said, adding that Zoom opportunities where possible have been added so parents not able to attend can watch the graduation online.

The backstory:

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has previously entered schools in Los Angeles County on several occasions, sometimes under the false pretense of being guardians of children.

Following these operations, Supervisor Holly Mitchell stated last month that a drop in school attendance had been noted across the county, prompting the implementation of protection measures.

The recent anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles erupted following widespread anger over the agency's enforcement tactics. Community leaders reported incidents of ICE appearing at elementary school graduations, disrupting the legitimate immigration processes at various courthouses, and aggressively raiding workplaces and locations like Home Depot. These actions, perceived as arbitrary and invasive, sparked outrage among residents and galvanized the public into widespread demonstrations across Los Angeles County.

What they're saying:

In its statement, LAUSD emphasized its commitment to protecting students and affirming fundamental rights.

"Los Angeles Unified is aware of the stress, disruption and fear recent immigration enforcement activity has caused across our communities," the statement read. "We recognize the emotional toll this has taken on many of our students, families and staff, particularly in areas directly impacted by these events."

The district also stated, "We strongly affirm the right to free expression and peaceful protest -- core values of our democracy. At the same time, we want to remind families that schools remain the safest place for students and all Los Angeles Unified schools will be open tomorrow."

They further added, "Our campuses are safe, welcoming spaces where students are supported and protected, regardless of immigration status. We will provide opportunities for students to discuss what is happening from the safety of our campuses."

Carvalho reaffirmed the district's commitment to protecting all students.

"We will protect every parent, every child, every workforce member," he said.

Resources available

What's next:

The district encourages families to reach out to the Family Hotline for LAUSD at 213-443-1300 for assistance with information, resources, and support.

LAUSD employees have a hotline available for support 24/7 at 800-882-1341.

Parents within the LAUSD community, especially those with "fragile immigration status," are encouraged to stay updated via the online parent portal and update the emergency contact information.

"If you have a question, a concern, a fear, please reach out to us," Carvalho said. "We have the appropriate resources to support you. We can direct your concern to free legal support to address your issues. We're here to help."

Carvalho said there is a possibility of student walkouts and encouraged students to stay in school, but acknowledged "we can no longer predict what will happen outside of our schools."

"We will provide safe space and time for students to voice their position and their opinion within the safe confines of our schools."

While Tuesday marks the last day of school in the grade school system, the summer school period begins June 16 through July 16.

As a result, Carvalho said the district will increase the number of schools providing summer school services to reduce the travel time for families.

"We will provide convenient transportation, but also as a protective measure for our students so that parents and kids can avoid what could be a difficult walk to school considering the imminent dangers. We'll also open up virtual opportunities for students who may have extreme fear regarding attendance at their neighborhood school," he said.

The Source: Information for this story is from the Los Angeles Unified School District.

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