Concerns Over Immigration Fearmongering in California Schools

The California Board of Education has expressed that there is significant “fear mongering” surrounding immigration enforcement, particularly as teachers’ unions and school districts actively push back against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Kenny Any, a board member from the Paso Robles Unified School District, noted to FOX News Digital that he couldn’t see a legitimate reason for federal law enforcement to be present in schools. “I mean, I can’t picture a scenario where that would happen,” he shared. “Maybe they’d come to detain parents, but that’s not something I’ve ever heard of happening.” He suggested most of this concern is largely rooted in exaggerated fears.

This year, Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho indicated earlier that due to immigration worries, students might not return to class for the second half of the 2025-2026 school year.

Enney, a representative from the same district, commented that truancy is detrimental, as fear—whether real or amplified—keeps kids at home. He further pointed out that California’s school funding relies on daily attendance, making this issue quite serious.

If increased absenteeism is being caused by fear, they’re only harming their own interests, he added.

Sonia Shaw from the Chino Valley Unified School District clarified that ICE does not operate within schools. “Let me be clear: ICE doesn’t conduct enforcement on school grounds. Any claims to the contrary are simply misinformation,” she stated, emphasizing their commitment to providing a secure environment for all students.

In addressing the fears expressed by school board members, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reiterated that they do not arrest children at schools. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin commented, “There are cases where safety concerns arise, but our focus is different.” She highlighted that typically, such actions concern serious threats, not targeting children.

Last September, DHS emphasized that ICE does not raid or threaten schools. They sought to clarify misconceptions following reports that illustrated parents and children were anxious about returning to school.

Amidst a broader crackdown on illegal immigration during the previous administration, some school districts have taken additional measures. For instance, the Oceanside Unified School District has ramped up security and provided staff with protocols to keep ICE from entering their schools.

The district maintains it complies with state regulations while indicating that campus law enforcement protocols have been in place since before 2020.

California districts are expected to update guidance by March 1, 2026, aimed at protecting students from immigration actions. The state’s Attorney General recently noted that around 133,000 undocumented children are enrolled in California’s public K-12 institutions.

Andrew Hayes from Lakeside Unified School District asserted that the anxiety stoked around immigration is politically motivated. “It’s really about the 2026 midterms,” he explained. He alleged that creating a climate of fear is a tactic to decrease enrollment, which could then lead districts to seek more funding.

Jen Wiersma from Temecula Valley Unified School District noted that not all districts contribute to the fear mongering; some, she believes, exploit language designed to spark fear while advocating for progressive changes.

In a statement through social media, the California Teachers Association accused ICE of disturbing school environments and fostering fear among students.

In light of the ongoing debate, LAUSD reaffirmed its dedication to providing clear information assuring families of their safety during increased immigration actions. They acknowledged the authentic anxiety many families are feeling.

The California Teachers Association has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding these ongoing discussions.