A principal in Los Angeles has drawn criticism for comments against ICE as more students are leaving classrooms to protest actions on illegal immigration.
Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Alberto Carvalho is recognized as a leading figure in education and has openly criticized federal immigration practices.
In a recent press conference, he described these tactics as “immoral, unethical, illegal.” He highlighted troubling incidents, including a video purportedly showing an ICE officer urinating on school property.
These remarks were met with backlash from Sonya Shaw, a candidate for California Superintendent of Schools, who pointed out that in Carvalho’s district, less than half of the students can read and write at grade level. “That’s the real issue,” she asserted, urging a focus on education instead of chaos.
Three straight weeks of protests, which sometimes turned violent, led the Los Angeles Police Department to urge students to remain in class instead of demonstrating against ICE.
Meanwhile, U.S. Attorney Bill Esseri stated that his office would not tolerate unruly student protests, sharing images of two teenagers allegedly involved in an attack on ICE officers during the demonstrations, and stating intentions for “criminal prosecution.”
Last Friday, federal personnel were reportedly injured by a group throwing rocks amid protests that involved flag burning and property vandalism. Law enforcement is also looking for two adults accused of rallying 200 students for an anti-ICE strike.
The LAPD warned that students leaving class to protest might face legal consequences and that adults encouraging this behavior could also face repercussions. A police statement emphasized that school attendance is mandatory, stating, “It is illegal for minors under 18 to be in public during school hours.”
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell expressed concern about the safety of students, noting that while the department supports First Amendment rights, young participants could end up in dangerous situations, potentially leading to arrests.
Carvalho, who is himself an undocumented immigrant, has been active in safeguarding students from ICE activities in schools, previously implementing a “security perimeter” during graduation ceremonies after a federal raid took place in July.
Activist groups are encouraging high schoolers to defy ICE, with one group, “Dare To Struggle SoCal,” urging students to skip class and resist federal authority.
Due to prior commitments, Carvalho was unavailable for comment during a LAPD press meeting this week. An LAUSD spokesperson highlighted the district’s concern for students’ safety during off-campus protests, stating that schools provide “on-campus opportunities for student expression” and resources for productive discussions.
