Safety Measures for Schools in Los Angeles
As school opens on Thursday, volunteers from Los Angeles’ unified school police, staff, and community members will create protective perimeters around over 100 schools. Their goal is to help ensure children can travel safely.
A 15-year-old student with a disability was detained by federal agents while visiting Aleta High School with his family. Laut officials stated that after some tension, the agents released the boy when the family intervened. The school principal also came out to check on the situation, and school police later collected several bullets that had been accidentally left on the sidewalk by the agents.
Kelly Gonez, a school board member for Arleta High, expressed strong disapproval of the incident, saying that such behavior—violently restraining children near public schools—should not be tolerated in the country.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security was not immediately available for comment.
Parents, teachers, and staff throughout Los Angeles have voiced increasing concerns about safety in schools, especially given recent incidents involving migrants. Many worry that children from families without legal status might stay home due to a pervasive atmosphere of fear.
Alberto Carvalho, LA Schools Superintendent, announced during a press conference that the district would enhance efforts to ensure the safety of students and families. This includes creating and expanding “safe zones” around schools before and after classes, supported by local workers, school police, and local law enforcement.
Carvalho did not specify the precise role of the Los Angeles Police Department in these efforts. He noted, however, that the School Police and LAPD would maintain cooperative relationships and share information as necessary. Importantly, neither agency supports immigration enforcement and has not done so for years. Community members often serve as eyes and ears on the streets instead.
At least two mayors from a small nearby city have promised police support in patrolling areas around schools.
While local police are not allowed to interfere with federal law enforcement actions, they will alert parents if agents are in the vicinity. They also plan to establish a communications chain to warn schools about any threats and enable them to implement safety measures if required.
This initiative aims to create a safe school environment and assure families that officials are dedicated to their protection on the way to school.
In recent statements, Carvalho outlined several steps taken by the nation’s second-largest school district. This includes outreach to over 10,000 families thought to be vulnerable to immigration enforcement, through home visits and phone calls. They are also providing information in various languages to educate families about their rights and available resources.
The district has initiated a “compassion fund” to offer general support and legal assistance to families. Beyond immigrant families, the school system employs over 350 individuals who may have their legal status revoked, yet they continue to contribute as valued workers.
The district is also working on adjusting bus routes to enhance accessibility for families. Buses primarily serve students with disabilities and those in magnet programs, but safety concerns regarding the bus stops can require changes to these routes. Families often contend with the risk of immigration enforcement while using these transit points, making the safety of bus stop locations paramount.
Buses are considered an extension of the school environment, meaning federal agents are not allowed to board them.
The recent press conference took place at the Loibal Learning Center, located just west of downtown and serving as the headquarters for the LA Unified School Police. Participants included members of the LA School Board as well as mayors from the area.
Los Angeles Unified School District spans 710 square miles, covering parts of 25 cities and unincorporated areas, with around 4.8 million residents within its boundaries.
