LA Teachers Concerned Over ICE Raids
Teachers in Los Angeles are worried about the start of the new school year because of an increase in immigration enforcement activities by ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) across the city.
This concern is rooted in several issues:
Student Attendance and Fear: Educators are afraid that the fear of raids will cause students to stay home. This was seen in June, when raids around graduation time led to many parents being too scared to attend their children's ceremonies. School leaders and teachers are concerned this will lead to a significant drop in attendance, which can negatively impact student learning and a school's funding (as California school funding is tied to daily attendance).
Trauma and Mental Health: The raids are creating a climate of fear and anxiety for students and families. Teachers and school staff are on the front lines, dealing with the emotional distress of students who worry about their families being separated. Some students have witnessed raids, leading to heightened levels of stress, nightmares, and a decreased sense of safety.
Direct Incidents: While immigration agents are not supposed to conduct raids inside schools, incidents have occurred just outside school grounds. For example, a 15-year-old student was reportedly detained outside a high school in a case of mistaken identity. This and other incidents have fueled anxiety within the community.
In response, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and other community organizations are taking action:
"Safe Passage" Measures: The LAUSD Superintendent has urged immigration authorities to avoid enforcement activities within a two-block radius of schools during peak hours. The district is also deploying 1,000 staff members on the first day of school to "critical areas" to provide support and information.
Teacher Patrols: In collaboration with a community organization, over 1,000 teachers have been trained to launch "teacher patrols" to help protect students and families near schools. The specifics of these patrols are still being developed.
Resources and Communication: The district has distributed pamphlets to inform parents and students of their rights and has been making phone calls and home visits to vulnerable families to offer resources and support.
