Teachers in Los Angeles have begun patrolling neighborhoods near schools before class begins, searching for signs of federal immigration agents as part of an effort to protect immigrant families from enforcement actions. The patrols, organized by educators including members of the group Unión del Barrio, are not sanctioned by the Los Angeles Unified School District but come as the nation's second-largest school system has expanded its own support services for families concerned about immigration enforcement.
CBS Los Angeles reported joining a ride-along with teacher Lupe Carrasco Cardona and other participants who said they document suspected ICE activity, photograph license plates, and alert community members when federal agents are spotted. The teachers say their patrols have helped families plan their days around potential enforcement operations near schools.
What the Right Is Saying
The Department of Homeland Security rejected characterizations of school enforcement as exaggerated and potentially dangerous. A DHS spokesperson told Fox News Digital that ICE is not going to schools to make routine arrests under current policies.
"ICE is not going to schools to make arrests. If a dangerous or violent illegal criminal alien felon were to flee into a daycare, or a child sex offender is working as an employee, there may be a situation where an arrest is made to protect the safety of the children," the DHS spokesperson said.
The department characterized teacher patrols and media coverage as part of a broader effort to demonize immigration enforcement. "This is just another false narrative to try and demonize our brave ICE law enforcement who are facing a 1,300% increase in assaults against them and an 8000% increase in death threats," the spokesperson added.
What the Left Is Saying
United Teachers Los Angeles chapter chair Jon Paul Arciniega defended the voluntary patrols as a community effort to ensure student safety. "It's been really beautiful to witness teachers devoting their own personal time to just watching the neighborhood and making sure that it's safe," Arciniega said. "It's been really beneficial."
A LAUSD spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the district recognizes the fear immigration enforcement can create for students, families, and staff. The school system has strengthened communication with city leaders, increased its presence in impacted communities, and established rapid-response protocols, according to the spokesperson.
The district pointed to its "We Are One" campaign providing 24/7 access to Know Your Rights resources, legal referrals, mental health services, and a dedicated hotline for families. LAUSD also offers multilingual Family Preparedness Packets, transportation assistance through Virtual Academy alternatives, and legal service provider referrals. The spokesperson emphasized that the district does not ask about or share student immigration status unless required by law.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has reaffirmed her support for immigrant communities amid increased ICE operations in the city. "We will always protect our neighbors, and we continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with immigrant families in LA and everywhere," Bass said.
What the Numbers Show
According to DHS data cited by the department, nearly 70% of ICE arrests under current operations involve illegal aliens charged or convicted of crimes in the United States. The department has highlighted increases in reported assaults and threats against agents as operational challenges.
LAUSD serves approximately 600,000 students, making it the second-largest school district in the country. The district's We Are One campaign includes a dedicated hotline for families seeking legal referrals or support services related to immigration concerns.
The Bottom Line
The teacher patrols highlight ongoing tension between federal immigration enforcement priorities and local communities with significant immigrant populations. LAUSD has positioned itself as a resource hub for families navigating immigration concerns while maintaining that it does not track student immigration status. DHS maintains its enforcement operations do not target schools but reserves the right to act when public safety is at risk. The episode illustrates how local educators and federal authorities are operating under different understandings of what constitutes appropriate immigration enforcement near schools.