As the 2025–2026 academic year begins, classrooms across Los Angeles reopen under an atmosphere of anxiety and uncertainty. Students, teachers, and parents are returning not only with backpacks and books, but also with heightened fear — the result of a summer marked by immigration raids and intensified federal enforcement efforts.
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District Leadership Responds to Community Concerns
Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Superintendent Alberto Carvalho has taken a public stance to shield students from the emotional toll of immigration actions near campuses. He formally appealed to federal immigration agencies, urging them to avoid enforcement activity within a two-block radius of any school — beginning one hour before classes start and ending one hour after dismissal.
“Hungry children, children in fear, cannot learn well,” Carvalho emphasized during a recent press conference.
To protect vulnerable families, the district rolled out several proactive measures:
- Expanded or adjusted bus routes to help students avoid potentially high-risk areas.
- Family preparedness packets distributed to households, including:
- “Know Your Rights” information,
- Emergency contact update forms,
- Guidance on choosing a backup caregiver in case a parent is detained.
The nation’s second-largest school district spans more than two dozen cities and serves over 500,000 students. According to the teachers’ union, roughly 30,000 students are immigrants, and nearly one-quarter of them are undocumented.
Reports of Immigration Activity Near Campuses
Although federal agents have not arrested anyone inside a school building, incidents near school grounds have heightened alarm. Earlier this week, a 15-year-old student with disabilities was reportedly pulled from a car and handcuffed outside Arleta High School in northern Los Angeles. He was released shortly after a bystander intervened, and the situation was later described as a case of mistaken identity.
Carvalho described the event as deeply disturbing:
“This is the exact type of incident that traumatizes our communities; it cannot repeat itself.”
Similar encounters have occurred in recent months. In April, administrators at two elementary schools denied entry to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials. In other cases, immigration agents were observed waiting in unmarked vehicles outside campuses.
Although the district has no legal authority to interfere with federal enforcement, staff and campus police have approached parked agents and asked them to leave. In several instances, those conversations were successful. DHS has not issued public comment regarding the district’s requests.
To improve communication and transparency, LAUSD is creating a “rapid response” network in collaboration with local law enforcement. This system will allow administrators and community leaders to share real-time information about immigration activity near schools.
Teachers Fear Lower Attendance and Emotional Strain
Educators across the district worry that immigration fears will keep students — especially those from immigrant families — away from classrooms.
Lupe Carrasco Cardona, a high school teacher at the Roybal Learning Center, recalled a noticeable decline in attendance when former President Donald Trump first took office. She explained that similar patterns are re-emerging as immigration raids intensify.
One such raid, at a Home Depot near MacArthur Park, occurred the same morning as an 8th-grade graduation ceremony at a nearby middle school. The result was a dramatic drop in parental attendance. Cardona described the emotional toll:
“People were crying. For the actual graduation ceremony, there were hardly any parents there.”
At another graduation the following week, the school chartered two buses to help parents attend. Many of those seats remained empty.
Students Speak Out: “We Just Want to Learn”
For many immigrant students, returning to school has become a source of emotional conflict. Madelyn, a 17-year-old junior originally from Central America, shared her story under the condition that her last name not be published due to her undocumented status.
“Instead of feeling excited, really what I’m feeling is concern,” she said. “I am very, very scared, and there is a lot of pressure.”
Madelyn commutes to school using public transportation and fears being profiled or detained on the bus because of her appearance.
Despite these fears, she remains committed to her education and to helping others in her situation. She is an active member of a student support group for immigrants.
“We are simply young people with dreams who want to study, move forward, and contribute to this country,” Madelyn explained. “I plan to continue supporting other students who need it very much, even if I feel scared. But I have to be brave.”
Virtual Learning Sees Uptick
Some families, concerned about the risks of in-person attendance, have chosen online education instead. According to district data, virtual enrollment has increased by 7 percent this year.
To reduce absenteeism and offer reassurance, the district launched an aggressive outreach campaign over the summer. Staff members contacted 10,000 families, visited over 800 homes, and provided resources such as:
- Legal aid referrals,
- Transportation information,
- Financial assistance options,
- Mental-health support services.
On the first day of school, LAUSD plans to deploy 1,000 central-office employees to “critical areas” — neighborhoods most affected by immigration enforcement — to help students and families navigate concerns.
Community Partnerships and Advocacy
In addition to working with law enforcement, the district is expanding partnerships with local nonprofits, advocacy groups, and legal organizations. These collaborations aim to:
- Educate families about their legal rights,
- Offer free legal consultations,
- Provide translation services,
- Create safe spaces for students to report concerns confidentially.
Carvalho stressed the importance of solidarity:
“This is not about politics. This is about protecting children, ensuring they have access to education, and supporting their emotional well-being.”
Balancing Safety and Education
As the new school year unfolds, LAUSD faces a dual challenge: maintaining academic excellence while safeguarding the rights and dignity of all students, regardless of immigration status.
For immigrant students and their families, every school day carries emotional weight. But for many, education remains the most powerful tool to build a better future.
Despite fear and uncertainty, students like Madelyn — and the teachers and administrators who support them — continue to show resilience.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why are Los Angeles schools opening under immigration concerns this year?
Los Angeles schools are reopening amid fears linked to recent immigration raids across the city, sparking anxiety among immigrant families and students.
What steps has LAUSD taken to protect students from immigration enforcement?
The district requested immigration authorities to avoid schools during class hours, distributed family preparedness packets, expanded bus routes, and launched a rapid response network.
How many immigrant students are enrolled in LAUSD?
Approximately 30,000 students in the district are immigrants, and nearly one-quarter are undocumented.
Have immigration agents entered schools in Los Angeles?
While agents have not detained students inside schools, there have been incidents near campuses, including one involving a student mistakenly detained outside Arleta High School.
How is student attendance affected by immigration fears?
Teachers report lower attendance during times of immigration crackdowns. Some families now prefer online learning, with virtual enrollment rising 7% this year.
What kind of support is provided to immigrant families by the district?
LAUSD offers legal resources, transportation assistance, financial aid guidance, and mental-health support, along with multilingual outreach and home visits.
Are teachers and staff allowed to block immigration agents from entering schools?
No. School staff cannot legally interfere with federal enforcement. However, they may engage with agents outside campuses and request them to leave.
Conclusion
The reopening of Los Angeles schools highlights not only the excitement of a new academic year but also the deep concerns facing immigrant families amid heightened immigration enforcement. For many students, classrooms are no longer just places to learn but also spaces where fear and uncertainty linger. Through preparedness initiatives, legal resources, and community partnerships, LAUSD is working to safeguard students and ensure education remains accessible to all. Yet, the tension between learning and living under constant apprehension continues to challenge families.
