Los Angeles city officials and school leaders have announced new measures to protect students and families from immigration enforcement as the new school year begins.
At a Glance
- LAUSD and city departments pledge non-cooperation with immigration enforcement
- Students receive rights information and emergency contact update packets
- Additional bus routes and virtual learning options address safety concerns
- Over 1,000 staff deployed to schools on opening day for support
- New task force to coordinate rapid family assistance during enforcement actions
Strengthening School Protections
Mayor Karen Bass confirmed that neither Los Angeles Police Department officers nor school police will provide information to immigration authorities. City agencies and LAUSD have been instructed to enhance training and protocols to ensure no student is targeted at or near a campus. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho emphasized the district’s role in providing stability and safety for students regardless of their family’s immigration status.
Students across the district will receive packets containing know-your-rights materials, contacts for the district’s compassion fund, and spaces to designate guardians in the event of a family separation. These packets are intended to help families prepare for emergencies without disrupting educational access.
Watch now: SoCal immigration raids: LAUSD creates new bus routes, safe zones to keep students safe · YouTube
Transportation and Safe Zones
To address fears of enforcement during commutes, LAUSD is rerouting and adding bus lines to serve students in high-risk areas. Families can request route adjustments if needed. Officials are also seeking to designate “no-enforcement zones” within several blocks of school campuses during the hours before and after classes. The aim is to allow students to travel freely without fear of apprehension.
The district is also expanding access to its virtual academy, with enrollment up 7% from the prior year. This offers a viable alternative for families hesitant to send children to school in person due to enforcement concerns.
Staff Deployment and Community Support
On the first day of school, more than 1,000 district and central-office staff will be present at campuses, supported by over 100 “safe passage” personnel. These staff will be joined by community volunteers to help monitor areas around schools and provide reassurance to families. In certain neighborhoods, crisis response teams will walk students home to further enhance security.
Former LA School Police Chief Steve Zipperman will lead a newly formed task force responsible for coordinating with law enforcement and rapidly deploying resources when enforcement actions occur near schools. This leadership role is intended to ensure a swift and organized response to any incident that may disrupt students’ education or wellbeing.
