As the new academic year begins, Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is implementing unprecedented measures to protect students and families amid ongoing federal immigration enforcement actions. On Thursday, LAUSD will deploy volunteers, staff, and school police to establish “safe zones” around approximately 100 schools, particularly in heavily Latino neighborhoods. This initiative aims to shield children from potential encounters with immigration agents.
The decision follows recent incidents, including a confrontation outside Arleta High School, where federal agents mistakenly detained a 15-year-old student with disabilities. The agents, who were conducting a targeted operation, later confirmed the student was not the individual they were seeking. According to the Los Angeles Times, the agents left behind unspent bullets, which school police later collected.
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass emphasized the significance of this moment in U.S. history, highlighting the collective effort of local leaders to protect children from federal actions. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho assured that LAUSD stands firm in opposing any interference with the educational process. He stated, “We are deploying resources at a level never before seen in our district.”
In response to the heightened fears, LAUSD has increased outreach efforts, making thousands of phone calls and home visits to offer support to vulnerable families. The district has also expanded its “safe passage zones” from 40 to over 100 schools, involving district employees, volunteers, and community groups.
Despite the Trump administration’s denial of targeting schools, the fear of immigration raids remains palpable among families. The 74 reports that the raids have impacted school attendance and heightened anxiety within the community. LAUSD officials continue to advocate for the cessation of enforcement actions near schools, appealing to federal authorities to prevent further trauma.
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