LA Police Warn Students Amid Anti-ICE Protests
The Los Angeles Police Department has issued a warning to students and their parents after a series of anti-ICE protests led to kids skipping classes for the third straight Friday. These demonstrations, which took place in downtown Los Angeles, included violent incidents last week that resulted in injuries among federal workers.
“Attendance at school is mandatory in the City of Los Angeles and may have legal repercussions for parents and students,” the LAPD stated in a release on Monday. “It is illegal for minors under 18 to be in public places during school hours, typically from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.” This point seems pretty clear, but it’s worth noting how seriously they’re taking this issue.
Officials have reminded middle and high school students that they can excuse one absence per calendar year for participating in a “civil or political event,” as long as they notify the school in advance. It’s a small concession but it shows an understanding of civic engagement, perhaps.
Moreover, the LAPD cautioned that adults who help minors participate in illegal activities could face charges for contributing to their delinquency. Interesting how these rules extend the responsibility, right?
In another similar incident, the Clovis Police Department mentioned it would file misdemeanor charges against two adults who arranged a large walkout involving over 200 students in Fresno County.
Additionally, the LAPD highlighted that the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) policy states that three or more unexcused absences—or being late for over 30 minutes—could lead to intervention by the School Attendance Review Board (SARB). This just adds more pressure, it seems.
The announcement comes shortly after an ICE agent was hospitalized due to violence at a protest during which high school students clashed with law enforcement. The Department of Homeland Security reported that rioters hurled rocks and injuring federal personnel, and a video captured a teenager swinging a pole at officers. It’s troubling to think about the escalation, really.
On February 13, a sizable group of about 200 to 300 protesters gathered outside the ICE building in LA, throwing objects at law enforcement, according to a DHS spokesperson. One officer, unfortunately, was struck in the head by a rock.
LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho has criticized ICE enforcement and instructed school police to intervene if immigration agents attempt to enter school grounds. He even created a so-called “safety perimeter” to protect immigrant students. He has made his stance clear, stating he doesn’t want the school environment to feel intimidating or threatening—who could argue with that?
In response to the LAPD’s warning, an LAUSD spokesperson expressed support for students advocating for issues they care about. However, they emphasized concern for student safety during off-campus demonstrations, which seems reasonable. They also mentioned that students can partake in peaceful demonstrations on campus outside class hours, under guidelines set by school administrators.
Interestingly, attendance on Friday at LAUSD schools remained steady at 92%, consistent with the previous five days. It’s worth mentioning that the district serves nearly 400,000 students.
The LAPD reiterated that skipping school is illegal and that adults can face criminal charges if they assist minors in doing so. Bill Ezeiri, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, called the LAPD’s reminder a “good thing.” It just makes one ponder the balance between activism and legality.
These recent protests in downtown Los Angeles fit into a broader national context of demonstrations against immigration policies of the prior administration. Earlier this year, incidences of violence in Minnesota catalyzed protests against ICE that reached different parts of California.
