ICE Detains Teen With Disabilities Outside Of School

Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) leaders are demanding limits on immigration enforcement near schools after a 15-year-old boy with disabilities was wrongfully detained outside Arleta High School. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said the teen, a San Fernando High student, was at Arleta with his grandmother when “several officers” approached their car. Although officers claimed they were not with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, video reviewed by the district showed “both police and Border Patrol personnel.” The boy was handcuffed and removed from the car before school staff and LAPD intervened to secure his release.

“The release will not release him from what he experienced,” Carvalho said. “The trauma will linger. It will not cease. It is unacceptable, not only in our community, but anywhere in America.” Parents expressed outrage, with Yvonne, a district parent, saying, “Our kids shouldn’t have to be… scared of coming to school.” Another parent, Dorian Martinez, called the federal presence “shameful,” questioning, “At a school, what criminals are you going to find? Kids trying to enroll — today’s orientation day.”

Board President Kelly Gonez condemned the incident as “absolutely reprehensible” and part of the “continued unconstitutional targeting of our Latino community.” LAUSD reaffirmed that “schools are safe spaces” and warned that immigration activity near campuses “disrupts learning and creates anxiety that can last far beyond the school day.” Some parents fear their children may be targeted due to skin color regardless of status, with Yvonne noting, “Where he’s on the darker side… that’s the main reason I tell him you better be careful.”

In response, LAUSD has contacted 10,000 families potentially impacted by enforcement, rerouted bus stops, deployed 1,000 central staff to school zones, and expanded virtual options for students afraid to leave home. Through its We Are One campaign, the district is offering Know Your Rights resources, legal referrals, mental health support, and a 24/7 Family Hotline.

Mayor Karen Bass joined officials, saying, “We are gathered here today to talk about protecting our children from the federal government… the fact that we even need a press conference to talk about strategies for how we protect our kids” is a “profound moment.” She vowed Los Angeles will “always stand together in defense of students.”

Link: KTLA