Federal officials were denied entry at two Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) elementary schools this week, district officials confirmed on Wednesday. This incident marks the first reported attempt by U.S. authorities to enter a Los Angeles public school amid concerns about immigration enforcement.
On Monday, two individuals arrived at Lillian Street Elementary School and identified themselves as “representatives of a federal agency,” according to a message from school officials to parents. Similar occurrences were reported at Russell Elementary School. Both schools are located in South Los Angeles’ Florence-Graham neighborhood. According to the Los Angeles Times, the individuals were from the Homeland Security Investigations unit within the Department of Homeland Security, not Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
School administrators followed district protocols and denied entry to the individuals, who subsequently left. LAUSD reiterated its commitment to student well-being and education. A spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security could not be reached for comment.
LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho issued a statement emphasizing that schools are places of inspiration, protection, empathy, and knowledge. He stated, “Fear and threat shall be met with courage and determination.”
District policy prohibits immigration authorities from accessing school campuses without a warrant. The district has mandated training for employees on what assistance or documentation they should not provide to federal immigration authorities. LAUSD has declared itself a sanctuary for immigrants, and the district’s protocols are reportedly effective, as only two schools reported such activity.
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