LAUSD Superintendent on Federal Agents Denied Entry at Schools

Incidents at LAUSD Schools

• 🏫 Two elementary schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District denied entry to federal agents this week, sparking fears of immigration enforcement.
• 📅 The incidents occurred at Lillian Elementary School and Russell Elementary School, with agents approaching two hours apart.

Homeland Security Agents' Actions

• 🕵️ At Russell Elementary, four individuals identified as Homeland Security agents asked specific questions about four students in grades first through sixth.
• 🕵️ At Lillian Elementary, three individuals, also identifying as Homeland Security, inquired about one sixth-grade student.
• 🚫 Principals denied access to the agents, following established protocols designed to protect students.

Superintendent's Stance and Personal Connection

• 🗣️ LAUSD Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho expressed contempt and anger over the actions, calling them unacceptable.
• ✊ Carvalho, who was an undocumented migrant himself, stated he would be a hypocrite if he did not fight for those facing similar circumstances.
• 🎓 He emphasized the transformative power of education and the potential of immigrant children.

Protocols and Legal Authority

• 🛡️ LAUSD had protocols and training in place since August to prepare staff for such situations, especially in advance of the November election.
• 📜 Carvalho asserted that no federal agency has the authority to enter schools without a judicial warrant or the equivalent of a criminal subpoena.
• ❌ Agents were reportedly reluctant to show IDs and denied authorization from caretakers, which the district later confirmed was false.

Protecting Students and Schools

• 🚫 The agents retreated and left both schools without further action after school police and legal departments were notified.
• 🏫 Carvalho stressed that schools are places for learning and understanding, not fear, and vowed to protect students and staff from abuse and intimidation.
• 😟 While the children are reportedly okay, the communities are experiencing fear due to these events.