- HSI agents visited two elementary schools seeking migrant children
- Principals denied entry without court orders per district policy
- Superintendent confirms no parental authorization for federal visits
- Incident follows expanded immigration enforcement powers under Trump-era rules
- DHS claims operation aimed to prevent child trafficking, not deportations
Los Angeles Unified School District officials clashed with federal agents this week when Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) personnel attempted to conduct wellness checks on migrant students at two elementary campuses. The visits mark the first known instance of federal authorities invoking expanded school access privileges granted through 2020 immigration policy changes.
Russell Elementary and Lillian Street Elementary principals refused entry to agents Monday, demanding warrants for any student interactions. LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho revealed caretakers of all five targeted children denied authorizing federal contact, contradicting agents' initial claims. The district deployed legal teams and school police within minutes of the attempted visits.
This confrontation highlights growing tensions between educational institutions and federal agencies under revised immigration guidelines. A 2022 National Education Association survey found 89% of urban school districts have updated protocols restricting federal access without subpoenas. Los Angeles Unified implemented mandatory warrant verification training for all staff last October.
HSI officials maintain their agents operated under legal authority to ensure unaccompanied minors' safety. A DHS spokesperson stated: 'These checks protect vulnerable children from traffickers exploiting border chaos.' However, immigration advocates argue such tactics undermine community trust - 74% of mixed-status families in California now hesitate to enroll children in government services according to UCLA research.
The LA incident mirrors January's false alarm in Chicago Public Schools, where Secret Service visits sparked panic about immigration raids. Both cases reveal how heightened enforcement creates learning environment disruptions. Northwestern University's Child Trauma Institute reports 68% of migrant students show anxiety symptoms directly linked to deportation fears.
Legal experts note conflicting interpretations of the 1994 'Riley Amendment,' which prohibited most federal immigration activities at schools. While DHS claims exemptions for child welfare investigations, LAUSD attorneys argue warrants remain mandatory. This legal gray area leaves school administrators balancing student protection against potential civil rights violations.
As national debates continue about border policies, educators emphasize schools must remain neutral safe spaces. Carvalho concluded: 'We'll keep gates open to families and closed to intimidation.' The district plans to lobby Congress for explicit school access restrictions in the upcoming Homeland Security reauthorization bill.