School Year in L.A. Kicks Off Amidst ICE Vigilance and Regular Excitement, Anxiety
In the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), schools are taking significant steps to protect immigrant students amid heightened immigration enforcement concerns. The measures aim to create safe, supportive environments for children, regardless of their immigration status, and prevent encounters with immigration agents near schools.
Key measures include the expansion of safe passage networks, with over 100 schools now having volunteers, local police, and school staff creating "safe passage" zones before and after classes. This is a substantial increase from the 40 schools that had such zones last year. The district has also expanded bus routes to pick up students closer to home, reducing the need for children to walk through neighborhoods where immigration enforcement might occur.
School leaders and city officials, including Mayor Karen Bass and LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, publicly affirm their commitment to protecting immigrant students. They have urged immigration authorities not to conduct enforcement activities within a two-block radius of schools from one hour before school starts until one hour after dismissal.
Mental health and counseling support, including in-home services, are being provided to address anxiety related to immigration enforcement. LAUSD also distributes family preparedness packets with information on legal rights, emergency contact updates, and advice on designating backup caregivers if parents are detained. Virtual learning options are available for TK (transitional kindergarten) through adult education programs to ensure continued education if families choose to keep children home due to fear of enforcement.
Community and staff commitment is strong, with a message of solidarity from school staff and local leaders signaling they stand with immigrant families and intend to shield students from fear and disruption. Teachers have been trained to recognize federal officers handling immigration arrests and distinguish them from bounty hunters.
On Thursday, the first day of school for the 2022-2023 school year, schools at high risk have "safe zones" monitored by LAPD and community volunteers. Groups such as Unión del Barrio are prepared to gather community members at a scene and provide hands-on support or obstruct the efforts of immigration agents if necessary.
However, an incident outside Arleta High School on Monday, where a 15-year-old boy with disabilities was reportedly handcuffed in a case of mistaken identity, has raised questions about why such an operation unfolded near a school. The boy was released after family members convinced officers he was not the person they were looking for.
Educators throughout the Los Angeles region are expressing worries about their students and their immigrant families. Pomona Unified School District Supt. Darren Knowles expressed concern about students worrying about the safety of their family members. The Department of Homeland Security praised the family for cooperating.
In response to these concerns, the teachers union has organized a second tier of faculty observers to watch for immigration enforcement activity and alert a network of participants if they find it. Thursday's first day of school will feature three tiers of protection for students and their immigrant families.
Online enrollment for LAUSD has risen this year despite overall lower enrollment, suggesting that parents are choosing to send their children to school despite the concerns. Debra Duardo, superintendent of the L.A. County Office of Education, stated that the fear is real and affecting student attendance and enrollment. However, the comprehensive measures being implemented by LAUSD aim to mitigate this impact and ensure that all students can attend school safely and confidently.
