LAUSD Rally Demands Release of Student Detained by ICE Amid Bounty Allegations

Rally for Student's Release

• 🎯 Approximately 100 people, including teachers, students, and immigrant rights activists, rallied outside LAUSD headquarters.
• ✊ The protest demanded the release of a charter high school student, identified as 18-year-old Ian Garcia Cruz, who was detained by ICE.

Student's Detention and Allegations

• 🚶‍♂️ Ian Garcia Cruz was reportedly taken into custody by ICE agents earlier this month while walking his dog outside his family home in Van Nuys.
• 🇨🇱 The 18-year-old has been in federal custody for nearly two weeks, pending removal to his home country of Chile, as the Department of Homeland Security states he overstayed his visa by over two years.
• 🗣️ Witnesses allege that ICE agents bragged about receiving a $1500 payout for his capture, with one agent overheard saying they would have money for drinks that weekend.

School District and DHS Response

• 🏫 LAUSD issued a statement affirming their commitment to protecting every student and family, emphasizing that every child belongs in school and pledging to keep campuses safe and welcoming.
• ❓ KTLA 5 News reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for comment regarding the bounty allegations but had not yet received a response.
• 💰 A GoFundMe page has been set up by the community to support the student.