Los Angeles Schools Open Amid Immigration Raid Fears

 

On the first day of classes in East Los Angeles, teacher Jennifer Cortez stood outside Brooklyn Avenue School holding a red sign with white and yellow letters that read, “This is a safe space for immigrants.” She greeted students and families, determined to send a message of reassurance.

Over 500,000 students in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), the second largest in the nation, returned to school Thursday under a cloud of anxiety following ongoing immigration raids. The apprehension was heightened by an incident earlier in the week, when a 15-year-old boy was detained outside a district high school.

Parents noticed a lighter turnout at drop-off. “It should be a happy day… but the fact that you don’t feel safe even dropping them off, it’s very emotional,” said Anna Bermudez, whose son is in eighth grade.

District Pledges Safety Measures

While immigration agents have not entered schools, Superintendent Alberto Carvalho acknowledged the fears and announced enhanced security protocols, expanded mental health services, and free legal resources for families. “Our schools are safe spaces. No one will have entry without a judicial order. We will protect our kids and our communities,” Carvalho said.

Immigration raids in Los Angeles have been increasing since last spring. On Monday, 15-year-old Nathan Mejia, a U.S. citizen with special needs, was pulled from his mother’s car and handcuffed by federal immigration agents outside Arleta High School. Authorities later confirmed it was a case of mistaken identity, and he was released.

Customs and Border Protection stated the agents were seeking another individual with criminal convictions in the area, not targeting the school itself.

Building a Shield Around Campuses

To ease concerns, LAUSD launched the “We Are One” campaign, offering resources to all families regardless of immigration status. Carvalho has also urged immigration authorities to avoid enforcement activity within a two-block radius of schools during drop-off and pick-up times.

The district has partnered with local law enforcement to form a “rapid response” network to share information on the presence of federal agents near schools. Carvalho stressed, “We want no one to stay home as a result of fears.”

Teachers Take a Stand

Educators are pledging to protect students and their right to education. “We want to make sure they don’t miss school, that they’re here, that they know they’re welcome,” said Cortez.

Some teachers recalled denying entry to federal officials earlier this year. “It’s scary for the children… they see these ICE agents coming in all covered up, and it’s a shame they have to experience this,” said a veteran teacher. “Our responsibility is our students, and we’re going to be there—whatever it takes.”