Teachers in Los Angeles have been conducting unauthorized patrols in neighborhoods near schools to monitor for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity and warn immigrant families. These efforts, documented by CBS Los Angeles and involving members of the anti-immigration group Unión del Barrio, include observing street activity and photographing license plates.
The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has stated that these patrols are not sanctioned by the district. A spokesperson for LAUSD emphasized the district's commitment to maintaining schools as safe, supportive, and welcoming environments for all students and families. The district has reportedly increased communication with city leaders, bolstered its presence in affected communities, and established rapid-response protocols for potential immigration enforcement actions.
LAUSD also provides a range of services for families concerned about immigration enforcement. These include legal referrals, "Know Your Rights" resources, transportation assistance, and alternative learning options. The district's "We Are One" campaign offers 24/7 access to legal aid, mental health services, and a dedicated hotline. Families can also access a multilingual preparedness packet to understand their rights and prepare for potential encounters with immigration officers. The district maintains that it does not inquire about or share a student's immigration status unless legally required.
Department of Homeland Security officials have pushed back against what they describe as a "false narrative" intended to demonize ICE officers. A DHS spokesperson stated that ICE does not typically conduct arrests at schools, except in specific circumstances to protect children, such as when a person with a criminal history is present. The spokesperson noted that ICE operations are targeting individuals with prior criminal convictions, with nearly 70% of arrests involving undocumented immigrants charged or convicted of crimes in the U.S. The agency also reported a significant increase in assaults and death threats against ICE officers.
Teachers involved in the patrols, such as Lupe Carrasco Cardona, have expressed that their actions have helped community members plan their daily routines. Jon Paul Arciniega, United Teachers Los Angeles chapter chair, described the patrols as teachers devoting personal time to ensure neighborhood safety.
ICE has increased its operations in Los Angeles. Mayor Karen Bass has reaffirmed the city's support for immigrant communities.