Los Angeles schools have erected police barricades to block immigration enforcement during graduation ceremonies, creating a potential standoff between local and federal authorities.
At a Glance
- LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho has implemented safety perimeters to keep ICE agents away from school graduations
- School police will create secure zones around more than 100 graduation ceremonies scheduled this week
- Nearly 30,000 LAUSD students are immigrants, with approximately 25% being undocumented
- Carvalho suggested he would not rule out potential confrontations if federal agents attempt to enter schools without judicial warrants
- The actions come amid increased immigration enforcement activities and protests in Los Angeles
School Police Establish Security Perimeters
The Los Angeles Unified School District has mobilized its independent police force to establish security perimeters around graduation venues this week. With over 100 ceremonies scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, district officials have instructed school principals to expedite parent entry to minimize exposure outside school grounds. The district’s police department, which includes 211 sworn officers plus support staff, will monitor school areas, buses, and bus stops to prevent immigration enforcement activities during these celebratory events.
The heightened security measures come in direct response to recent immigration enforcement activities in Los Angeles that have generated fear within the immigrant community. School officials report that federal vehicles have been spotted near schools in what Superintendent Carvalho described as intimidation tactics. The district confirmed that six or seven school families have already been affected by recent raids and arrests, prompting administrators to create contingency plans for the graduation season.
[LA Schools Superintendent Alberto] Carvalho said he has instructed LAUSD school police to “intervene” against any ICE agents who may be attempting immigration enforcement at school graduation events.
“Every single graduation site is a protected site,” Carvalho said. https://t.co/uCkSdgyYgk
— Alejandra Vázquez Baur (@Ale_VazquezBaur) June 9, 2025
Superintendent Vows To Protect Students
LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho has taken a firm stance on protecting students regardless of their immigration status. The district serves nearly 30,000 immigrant students, with approximately one-quarter being undocumented. Carvalho has communicated with local and state officials regarding the district’s needs during this period of increased enforcement activities. School staff have received training on how to interact with immigration agents to limit their access to campuses.
In a more confrontational statement, Carvalho suggested he would not back down if federal agents attempted to enter school property without proper documentation. “We stand strongly on the right side of law. Every student in our community, every student across the country, has a constitutional right to a free public education of high quality, without threat. Every one of our students, independently of their immigration status, has a right to a free meal in our schools. Every one of our children, no questions asked, has a right to counseling, social emotional support, mental support.”
Los Angeles is now going to deploy armed force to prevent federal law enforcement from enforcing federal law?
So an armed insurrection? https://t.co/cdPeB8LdXj
— Sunny (@sunnyright) June 10, 2025
Community Impact and Reactions
The immigration enforcement actions have cast a shadow over what should be a joyous celebration for graduating students and their families. Some parents have expressed concerns about attending graduation ceremonies due to fear of possible detention and deportation. The district has responded by offering virtual viewing options for families who feel unsafe attending in person. Summer school protections will also continue, with increased locations and transportation options to ensure educational continuity.
Board member Rocio Rivas criticized the timing and nature of the immigration enforcement activities: “Our families are now forced to live in fear, looking over their shoulders on the way to school or their child’s graduation. This is just simply wrong. It is also very, very cruel.” The district has advised families to update contact information and prepare backup plans in case of emergencies. Officials are also preparing for potential student walkouts in response to the immigration activities.
Federal Policy Changes
The conflict stems partly from President Trump’s reversal of a policy that previously exempted schools from immigration enforcement actions. While federal agents have not directly targeted local schools in recent operations, the proximity of enforcement activities to educational institutions has raised alarms. Recent protests in Los Angeles against increased deportation operations have led to arrests and the deployment of National Guard troops, further escalating tensions between local and federal authorities.
The district’s protective measures will remain in place throughout the graduation season and into summer school. Carvalho indicated that he has reached out to officials at various levels of government regarding the district’s position on protecting all students. The situation highlights growing tensions between immigration enforcement policies and local educational institutions’ responsibilities to serve all students regardless of immigration status.
