LOS ANGELES (Jan. 23, 2026) — Los Angeles Unified is aware of an increase in immigration enforcement activity in communities surrounding some of our schools. This activity has created fear and uncertainty for students and families, and we want to be clear about where we stand and the steps we are taking to ensure our campuses remain safe, supportive spaces for learning.
“During times of heightened immigration enforcement, fear doesn’t have a border, it shows up in our neighborhoods, our streets, and our school communities,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “Our responsibility is to ensure that every student feels safe, supported, and welcomed on our campuses. Schools must remain places of stability and belonging, and we will continue doing everything in our power to protect that promise for our students and families.”
Our message is unequivocal: every child belongs in school, and Los Angeles Unified will do everything in its power to keep schools safe, welcoming, and inclusive for all students regardless of background or circumstance.
Working closely with city leaders and municipal partners, Los Angeles Unified has strengthened safety measures at and around school campuses. These efforts include enhanced communication with partner agencies, a visible presence in impacted communities, and clear rapid-response protocols should enforcement activity occur near schools.
We have also updated employee training to reflect the latest guidance from the California Attorney General and Assembly Bills on changes to immigration law that impact our schools. Our goal is to ensure that staff is informed, aligned, and equipped with timely guidance and resources as we continue to support our students, families, and school communities.
Through the District’s We Are One campaign, families have access to Know Your Rights resources, legal referrals, mental health supports, community food distribution programs, and a dedicated Family Hotline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (213) 443-1300.
The District has also developed a Family Preparedness Packet to help families understand their rights and what to do if approached by immigration officers. This is available in multiple languages.
Los Angeles Unified will never ask about or share a student’s immigration status unless required by law, and we remain committed to maintaining safe zones around our schools.
The District can assist with individualized transportation or bussing options and offers Virtual Academy for families who choose to have their students pursue a high-quality education online. The District also has protocols to coordinate with contracted partners who can provide legal support to students and their families when needed.
For students who may need additional support, families are encouraged to contact their school directly.
Los Angeles Unified will continue to stand with our students and families, prioritize student well-being, and ensure that schools remain places of learning, care, and belonging.
Board Quotes
“At a time when many of our families are experiencing fear and uncertainty, Los Angeles Unified is reaffirming a simple truth: every child belongs in school," Board Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas said. “Our campuses are safe spaces for learning, care, and belonging, and we are taking deliberate steps—alongside our city and community partners—to protect student privacy, support families, and ensure every student has uninterrupted access to an excellent education.”
“Since the return from winter break, our school neighborhoods have been intentionally targeted by federal immigration agents,” Board Member Karla Griego said. “These attacks and militarization of our neighborhoods continue to cause fear and uncertainty for students and families. Thank you to our teachers and school staff who are on the frontlines ensuring that our students and families are protected. Together we remain unwavering in our commitment to defend our students and to ensure every school is a safe, supportive, and welcoming place for learning that is free from fear and intimidation.”
“We have been receiving reports of ICE kidnappings and roving patrols in our BD6 communities,” Board Member Kelly Gonez said. “I urge families to exercise extreme caution. Once again, I call on the federal government to stop terrorizing our Latino and immigrant communities. Please know that I will continue doing everything in my power to keep our schools and students safe in the face of these attacks.”
"From kidnappings in Wilmington to a shooting in Willowbrook, from family separations in Florence-Firestone to fear-mongering in San Pedro, ICE activity is causing unnecessary trauma and distrust in communities that so desperately need their government to work for them, not against them," Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. "LA Unified and Board District 7 (BD7) stand in complete solidarity and full support of our immigrant families.”
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