On Monday, April 7, 2025, two plainclothes agents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) attempted to enter Lillian Elementary School and Russell Elementary School in South Los Angeles to conduct interviews with students ranging from first to sixth grade. The agents identified themselves as representatives of a federal agency and stated they were conducting “wellness checks” on children who had arrived unaccompanied at the U.S.-Mexico border. CBS News
Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) administrators denied the agents entry, citing district protocols that require federal agents to present a judicial warrant to access school property. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho expressed concern over the agents’ interest in young students, questioning the necessity of such actions. CBS News
The DHS agents claimed that the children’s caretakers had authorized the school visits, a statement that was later found to be untrue. LAUSD reaffirmed its commitment to protecting students’ rights and maintaining schools as safe spaces for all children, regardless of immigration status. CBS News+1Montclair State University+1
This incident highlights the importance of understanding and upholding students’ rights within educational institutions.Schools are generally considered “sensitive locations,” and federal immigration enforcement actions are limited in such settings without proper legal authorization. IASB+2JD Supra+2UnidosUS+2
Parents and guardians are encouraged to familiarize themselves with their rights and the protocols in place to protect students. Resources are available through organizations like UnidosUS and LAUSD’s “We Are One” initiative to provide guidance and support.UnidosUS+1CBS News+1
The community’s response to this event underscores the collective commitment to ensuring that schools remain safe and welcoming environments for all students.
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