L.A. School Police: Safe Zones & Graduation Security
- The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is taking steps to protect its students and families from federal immigration enforcement.
- This decision follows recent immigration raids in Los Angeles, including one near huntington Park High school, and clashes between police and protesters downtown.
- Carvalho emphasized the district's commitment to upholding students' rights. "Every student...
LA schools are creating “safe zones” to protect students and families from immigration enforcement, a move prompted by recent raids and the upcoming graduation season. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho announced that school police will secure campuses and events, including graduations, ensuring students’ right to education, meals, and support. This proactive measure, detailed at News Directory 3, follows incidents and aims to alleviate fears, especially for those concerned about attending ceremonies. School officials are prepared for potential standoffs and are training staff. Discover what this means for students and the district’s future safety protocols.
Los Angeles Schools to Shield Students, Families From Immigration Enforcement
Updated june 10, 2025
The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is taking steps to protect its students and families from federal immigration enforcement. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho announced Monday that school police will establish safety perimeters around campuses and school events, including graduation ceremonies, to deter immigration agents.
This decision follows recent immigration raids in Los Angeles, including one near huntington Park High school, and clashes between police and protesters downtown. The district, the nation’s second-largest, aims to ensure students can enjoy graduation ceremonies without fear as the school year concludes Tuesday.
Carvalho emphasized the district’s commitment to upholding students’ rights. “Every student… has a constitutional right to a free public education of high quality,without threat,” he said. he affirmed their right to meals, counseling, and support, irrespective of immigration status.
While President Trump reversed a Biden-era policy that had largely shielded schools from immigration enforcement,Carvalho noted that federal agents have not recently targeted schools directly. However, an incident in April saw staff turn away agents at two elementary schools.
Carvalho acknowledged the possibility of standoffs with federal officers lacking judicial warrants. He stated the district is prepared for any eventuality, consulting with Mayor Karen Bass on contingency plans. ”I have a professional, moral responsibility to protect our kids,” Carvalho asserted, vowing to safeguard students and school events.
School officials clarified they cannot legally obstruct officers with judicial warrants, which are uncommon. All school staff are trained to interact with immigration agents to limit their access to campuses and children. Critics argue public employees should support immigration law enforcement.
The immigration issue has cast a shadow over graduation season. carvalho described seeing “gray clouds over Los Angeles… clouds of injustice, clouds of fear, intimidation.” Approximately 100 high school graduations and end-of-year events are scheduled through June 16.
While LA school police lack the resources to secure every location, they will deploy patrol cars to campuses and event venues when potential enforcement activity is reported. Outdoor lines at graduations will be minimized, and families can remain inside venues as needed. A virtual viewing option will be available where possible.
Carvalho shared concerns from parents afraid to attend their children’s graduations. He cited reports of six or seven district families affected by raids, including a student detained with his father and transported to Texas. A fourth-grader from a neighboring district and his father were also recently taken into custody and face deportation.
The superintendent addressed potential student walkouts, respecting students’ right to protest while urging them to remain on campus for safety. He advised families to update contact information with schools and prepare backup plans for potential caregiver detentions.
Summer school,starting June 17,will see more campuses open and increased transportation to minimize travel. School board members voiced strong opinions on the matter.
Board member Nick Melvoin called for the removal of the National Guard and compared Trump’s actions to his response to the January 6th Capitol riot. Rocio Rivas cited recent raids in several Los Angeles neighborhoods, stating, “Our families are now forced to live in fear.”
Tanya Ortiz Franklin criticized the governance’s “backwards belief about who belongs,” while board President Scott Schmerelson acknowledged the sadness surrounding graduation season but urged students to maintain a positive attitude.
What’s next
The LAUSD will continue to monitor the situation and adjust its safety protocols as needed to ensure the well-being and security of its students and families amidst ongoing immigration enforcement activities.