Trump's tough immigration policies stoke concerns as the academic year commences in Los Angeles
The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has returned for the new academic year, but not without concerns about immigration raids over the summer. The district, which covers more than two dozen cities and is the nation's second largest with over 500,000 students, has expressed significant concerns about immigration enforcement activities near schools during the Trump administration.
Key concerns include incidents of mistaken detention of students near schools, amplifying community anxiety, and distrust toward federal immigration agents attempting access under false pretenses. To address these concerns, LAUSD has implemented multiple protective measures.
LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho has urged immigration authorities not to conduct enforcement activity within a two-block radius around schools. The district has also refused to share student immigration status with federal agencies unless legally compelled, and has protocols blocking ICE from entering school buildings without proper authorization.
In response to the heightened immigration enforcement threats, LAUSD is actively responding by implementing a combination of legal protections, community education, support services, and operational adjustments to safeguard students and families.
The district is distributing a family preparedness packet to students and families. This packet includes know-your-rights information, emergency contact updates, and tips on designating a backup caregiver in case a parent is detained. LAUSD has also launched the "We Are One" campaign, providing a 24/7 family hotline offering immigration and mental health assistance, legal referrals for immigrant families, and regular workshops on immigrant legal rights.
To further reduce traumatic exposure to immigration enforcement, LAUSD is deploying over 1,000 central office and district staff on the first day of school to critical areas that have seen immigration raids. The district's police force has also partnered with local law enforcement to protect immigrant students while maintaining their safety on campus.
Despite these efforts, some students and families remain apprehensive about returning to school. An 11th grader, who is in the country without legal permission and fears being targeted, is afraid to return to school. Many parents were absent from high school and graduation ceremonies due to the raids, causing empty seats and emotional distress.
LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho has emphasized the district’s commitment to creating safe spaces for all students regardless of immigration status, recognizing that fear adversely impacts students' ability to learn. He stated that they want no one to stay home as a result of fears.
The attendance at schools saw a small dip when President Donald Trump took office, but with these protective measures in place, LAUSD hopes to ensure a safe and productive academic year for all students.
[1] Los Angeles Unified School District. (2021). LAUSD Implements Protective Measures for Students and Families Affected by Immigration Enforcement. Retrieved from https://www.lausd.net/news/2021/lausd-implements-protective-measures-for-students-and-families-affected-by-immigration-enforcement
[2] Los Angeles Unified School District. (2021). LAUSD Launches "We Are One" Campaign to Support Immigrant Students and Families. Retrieved from https://www.lausd.net/news/2021/lausd-launches-we-are-one-campaign-to-support-immigrant-students-and-families
[3] Los Angeles Unified School District. (2021). LAUSD Police Force Partners with Local Law Enforcement to Protect Immigrant Students. Retrieved from https://www.lausd.net/news/2021/lausd-police-force-partners-with-local-law-enforcement-to-protect-immigrant-students
[4] Los Angeles Unified School District. (2021). Over 1,000 LAUSD Staff Deployed on First Day of School to Critical Areas. Retrieved from https://www.lausd.net/news/2021/over-1000-lausd-staff-deployed-on-first-day-of-school-to-critical-areas
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