As graduation week unfolds across Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has implemented new security measures to protect students and families—particularly those who may be undocumented—from immigration enforcement actions near school campuses.
Superintendent Alberto Carvalho announced on Monday that all graduation venues in the district are now designated “safe zones.” These new protective protocols aim to shield families from potential U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity during the ceremonies.
Speaking at a press conference, Carvalho expressed serious concern over recent immigration operations reportedly occurring near school grounds. “These graduations are celebrations of hard work, perseverance, and success,” he said. “No family should have to fear deportation while watching their child receive a diploma.”
More than 100 ceremonies were scheduled across the district on Monday and Tuesday, and school officials are working to ensure they proceed without disruption or fear. District police have been instructed to set up security perimeters around graduation sites and to intervene should any federal agency attempt to carry out enforcement actions nearby.
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In a move to further minimize risks, LAUSD principals were directed to expedite entry for families into event venues. The goal is to reduce the time people spend waiting outside, where they could be more exposed. Once inside, families will be allowed to stay as long as needed, especially if any suspicious law enforcement activity is detected in surrounding areas.
Parents like Jorge Rosana, whose daughter graduated last Friday, shared their deep appreciation for the district’s efforts. “This is supposed to be a day of joy,” he told KCAL News. “Our children deserve to celebrate without fear. We’ve endured enough—let them enjoy the moment.”
Eric Flores, another parent attending a graduation, said the presence of immigration officers, even at a distance, creates an underlying unease. “It’s always in the back of your mind,” he said. “But we’re trying not to let that overshadow this special day.”
To ensure safety beyond the graduation venues themselves, school officials confirmed that LAUSD will monitor surrounding areas, including school buses and designated pick-up and drop-off points. For families hesitant to attend in person, the district has also provided live-streaming options.
Carvalho emphasized that public education must remain accessible and safe for all students, regardless of immigration status. “Every child and their family deserves to celebrate this milestone,” he said. “We will do everything in our power to make sure no one is excluded due to fear.”
LAUSD operates its own police department with more than 260 sworn and civilian staff members dedicated to ensuring safety across the district’s schools. With over 520,000 students enrolled, LAUSD is the second-largest school district in the nation. The United Teachers Los Angeles union reports that nearly 30,000 students are immigrants—many undocumented—making these protections even more critical.
Superintendent Carvalho reinforced the district’s commitment to its students, stating, “No matter your background, every student has a constitutional right to an education and the support systems that come with it—food, counseling, emotional care, and above all, a safe learning environment.”
On Monday, Carvalho also shared that district officials had observed unmarked federal vehicles parked just blocks away from two school campuses. While no enforcement actions were reported, he characterized their presence as “an intimidation tactic” aimed at generating fear in immigrant communities.
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“That is not who we are as a community, a city, or a nation,” he stated firmly.
Although the academic year concludes on Tuesday, the superintendent confirmed that these safety protocols would remain in effect throughout the summer school session starting June 17. LAUSD plans to increase the number of summer locations, offer additional transportation, and expand access to online learning.
Carvalho said he had reached out to both Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom to coordinate continued support for vulnerable families.
“This is not just about education—it’s about dignity, community, and human rights,” Carvalho concluded. “We will not allow fear to overshadow the accomplishments of our students.”
