Los Angeles School Police have put new measures in place to stop federal agents from enforcing immigration laws near public schools in California. This comes amid growing concerns from critics about immigration agents detaining individuals at these educational sites.
Many voices raised against the Trump administration highlighted instances where immigration enforcement had even entered schools to detain undocumented individuals.
One worried parent stated, “Now our family has to constantly watch our backs on the way to school and even during graduations. It’s just wrong.”
Principal Alberto Carvalho of Los Angeles Unified School District assured that school police will be present to protect families from federal authorities during graduation events.
“We’re on the right side of the law,” he emphasized. “Every student has the constitutional right to a quality, free public education, without fear of threats. No matter their immigration status, all children should be able to eat at school without questions.”
Violent protests erupted in Los Angeles over the weekend against increasing deportations initiated by President Trump. In this turmoil, dozens were arrested, and the National Guard was deployed in the area, assisted by some members of the U.S. Marines.
Carvalho stated that the school officials stand ready to confront federal agents should they attempt to access school premises with a judicial warrant.
“It’s honestly a ridiculous situation,” he remarked. “However, the actions we’ve seen from this administration have been equally absurd. We’re prepared for anything.”
The report highlighted a legal loophole— if federal officials present a judicial warrant, school authorities are not legally protected in opposing their entry.
Carvalho shared a personal concern about witnessing his family’s graduation while fearing potential immigration officers lurking nearby.
He recounted speaking with parents whose daughter was set to be the first in their family to graduate high school, yet they were too afraid to attend due to worries of their graduation venue being targeted.
Board of Education member Rocio Rivas also expressed her discontent, stating, “Families shouldn’t have to look over their shoulders heading to school and graduations. This is just cruel.”
Executive Tanya Ortiz Franklin echoed these sentiments, remarking, “This isn’t about community safety. It’s about misguided ideas of who belongs and who should be excluded.”
