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Los Angeles Unified School District families and educators are grappling with the impact of federal immigration policies as increased U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity has left many living in fear.
Reports of students skipping school due to concerns over immigration enforcement have raised alarms, with district officials warning declining attendance could have long-term consequences for school funding.
While LAUSD has reaffirmed its status as a sanctuary district, questions remain about how much protection it can truly offer to students and their families.
Here are four key takeaways on the impact of Trump-era immigration policies and LAUSD’s response:
1. LAUSD Students Are Not Happy With Recent Policies
High school students across the district have staged walkouts in recents weeks in protest of ICE enforcement and federal immigration policies. Many fear for their families and classmates, leading to anxiety and classroom disruptions.
“The biggest hit we’re kind of getting right now is a [drop] in attendance,” said LAUSD school board member Tanya Ortiz Franklin in an interview with LA School Report earlier this month. “In neighborhoods where ICE activity has been [reported], we’ve noticed a decline for a few days.”
2. LAUSD’s Response to Federal Immigration Policies
Los Angeles Unified reaffirmed its status as a sanctuary district last year, vowing not to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement and committing to educating families on their rights.
“We have heard concerns from many in our communities about the updated federal policies on immigration,” a district spokesperson said via email. “Los Angeles Unified is compelled by legal, professional, and moral obligations to protect the legal and privacy rights of our students and employees, and to ensure all students’ constitutional right to a public education.”
The district has also implemented mandatory training for staff on how to respond if federal immigration officers appear on or near school campuses, Superintendent Alberto Carvalho previously told LA School Report.
3. What Is a ‘Red Card’ and Why It Matters
Los Angeles Unified schools began distributing “Red Cards” in late January to help students and families understand their rights if they encounter federal immigration agents. These “Know Your Rights” cards outline key legal protections, such as:
- The right to remain silent
- The right to refuse entry into a home without a warrant
- The right to request legal representation
“Part of being a sanctuary district is that we’re educating folks about what their rights are, and that’s important to us as an educational institution,” Franklin said.
The district also provides resources, workshops, and a handbook to ensure students and parents know how to assert their rights in immigration-related situations. In addition to LAUSD’s efforts, outside advocacy groups have also distributed Red Cards to families throughout the district.
4. What LAUSD’s ‘Sanctuary District’ Status Means
LAUSD has pledged to work with local officials and community organizations to ensure students’ safety while traveling to and from school.
Interim LA School Police Chief Aaron Pisarzewicz reaffirmed that the district follows confidentiality laws and does not participate in immigration enforcement or ICE operations.
Franklin urged parents to stay calm and informed. “If you hear a rumor of immigration activity happening on your school campus, call your school and find out,” she said. “In all likelihood, that’s not the case. Don’t let it get in the way of going to your kid’s school performance.”
She reassured families that schools remain a safe space. “I hope families know that school is absolutely the safest place for your kid to be and the best place for them to get ready for their future,” Franklin said. “Your school and school district are here to protect you and provide connections if you need support.”
This article is part of a collaboration between The 74 and the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.