School term initiates in Los Angeles, riddled with apprehensions regarding immigration crackdowns
The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has initiated a series of measures to safeguard students and families amidst the heightened immigration enforcement under the Trump administration.
As the district returns for the new academic year, concerns surrounding immigration-related fears remain prevalent. A 17-year-old student, Madelyn, is one such individual who is apprehensive about returning to school. Madelyn, involved in a club that provides support for immigrant students, fears being targeted due to her skin color.
LAUSD, the nation's second largest school district with over 500,000 students, has been proactive in addressing these concerns. The district has established and strengthened "safe zones" around schools, denying entry to immigration enforcement agents unless they possess a valid judicial warrant. School leaders have explicitly refused ICE entry during recent attempted wellness checks.
To cater to students' needs, LAUSD has also introduced virtual learning options across TK to adult programs. This allows students to continue their education without exposure to enforcement activity at school sites.
In addition, LAUSD has launched the "We Are One" campaign, providing a 24/7 family hotline for immigration and mental health support, legal referrals, and education on rights through a "We Have Rights" campaign with materials in seven languages. Weekly workshops on immigrant legal rights are also held.
Expanded safe-passage programs with volunteers and school police have increased coverage from 40 to over 100 campuses this academic year. The district has also offered expanded transportation options upon request to avoid environments with potential immigration enforcement presence.
Crisis Response Teams have been deployed to provide mental health and counseling support to students and families, including in-home services. The district has contacted at least 10,000 parents and visited over 800 families to provide information about resources.
LAUSD leadership, along with city officials like Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, have reaffirmed their commitment to protecting students regardless of immigration status and maintaining schools as fear-free learning environments.
The district's efforts come in response to a series of immigration raids that escalated in June, disrupting graduation ceremonies. A 15-year-old boy was handcuffed outside Arleta High School, causing concern and potential trauma within the community.
To further address these concerns, LAUSD is partnering with local law enforcement in some cities and forming a "rapid response" network to disseminate information about the presence of federal agents. The district is also offering a family preparedness packet, which includes know-your-rights information, emergency contact updates, and tips on designating a backup caregiver in case a parent is detained.
Some schools have rented buses to transport parents to graduation ceremonies, but many seats remained empty due to fear of raids. Despite these challenges, LAUSD continues to strive for a comprehensive strategy centered on safe school zones, virtual learning, community education and empowerment, expanded protective services, and mental health support to shield students and families from the heightened risks of immigration enforcement.
[1] Los Angeles Unified School District. (n.d.). We Are One. Retrieved from https://achieve.lausd.net/Page/2833
[2] Los Angeles Unified School District. (n.d.). Safe Zones. Retrieved from https://achieve.lausd.net/Page/2832
[3] Los Angeles Unified School District. (n.d.). Crisis Response Teams. Retrieved from https://achieve.lausd.net/Page/2831
[4] Los Angeles Unified School District. (n.d.). Safe Passage. Retrieved from https://achieve.lausd.net/Page/2830
- Amidst the ongoing debate over politics, the LAUSD's 'We Are One' campaign serves as a beacon for education-and-self-development, providing extensive resources and support to students and families, including 24/7 family hotlines, legal referrals, and mental health services.
- While general-news outlets have reported escalating immigration tensions, the LAUSD has been proactive in safeguarding its student body by establishing 'safe zones', launching crisis response teams, and offering virtual learning options to minimize the impact of immigration enforcement on the district's educational missions and students' well-being.
