The Los Angeles Unified School District has started preparing students and staff for possible immigration enforcement raids after President Trump signed a number of executive orders dealing to immigration during his first week in office.
Mr. Trump issued a number of measures, including giving the military border enforcement responsibilities, stopping the admission of refugees and asylum seekers, trying to revoke birthright citizenship, and increasing the number of mass deportations.
The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement has already increased raids in cities around the nation.Due to the threat of raids, migrant families in several cities are now afraid to send their kids to school.
The LAUSD is informing parents, employees, and students about their immigration enforcement procedures in anticipation of any raids.
According to a district spokesperson, the district has created “Know Your Rights” cards that include information and guidelines on how to react if an individual is approached by immigration officials.
Additionally, the district has started requiring staff members to receive training on how to react in the event that immigration officers show up at or close to schools.
The LASUD has made it apparent that they are dedicated to safeguarding employees’ and students’ legal and privacy rights.
“School officials do not collect or share information about the immigration status of students and their families,” stated a representative.
“Not assist or engage in immigration compliance checks, immigration enforcement activities, or ICE-related task force operations,” the Los Angeles School Police Department also declared.
“The department’s focus remains on providing a safe and welcoming environment for all students,” said Aaron Pisarzewicz, interim chief.
The Board of Education of the LA Unified School District unanimously approved a “sanctuary” resolution in November 2024, reinforcing a previous May 2017 action. Clarifying how the district will really carry out and enforce that policy was the goal of the new resolution.
The LA City Council was debating a sanctuary city ordinance at the same time that the board of education was reaffirming its sanctuary status.By a vote of 13-0, it was approved, outlawing the use of city employees and resources for federal immigration enforcement activities.