On April 7, 2025, individuals from the Homeland Security Investigations unit within the Department of Homeland Security were denied entry at Lillian Street Elementary School and Russell Elementary School in South LA. Immigration enforcement individuals do not belong in and or near our schools.  

As educators, we can ensure that the rights of children are not infringed upon, that they do not face additional trauma, and are not ripped away from their communities. Our children, regardless of immigration status, deserve schools and a country that is safe, welcoming, and full of opportunity. 

• Principals must collect information (warrant type, badge numbers, etc.) and must receive direction from operations to know how to comply with the warrant. 

• All UTLA members should read REF 6767.4 and make sure their principals are ready to implement it if an immigration agent were to show up at their school.  

• Make sure to notify your Immigration Area Team Lead. See your Chapter Chair for the immigration lead in your area. 

Per LAUSD policy guidance REF-6767.4: 

• LAUSD personnel are not required to and should not ask about, keep records on, or share the immigration status of students or their family members. 

• Immediately notify your administrator if an ICE agent is reported in your site’s surrounding community, comes onto LAUSD property, and/or presents a subpoena or warrant. Your administrator is required to follow the district’s notification checklist procedure (below) and immediately contact the Region Administrator of Operations.

• An ICE warrant or subpoena does NOT grant an immigration officer any special power to compel a school official to cooperate, access school grounds, or interview a student. 

• If a student’s parent or guardian has been detained, the student should only be released to the designated emergency contact or person with the appropriate Caregiver’s Authorization Affidavit. 

• These policies apply to all school sites, LAUSD property (including school buses), and official school activities in public places and adjacent areas (including field trips).

Visit the UTLA Immigration Resources for Educators webpage for: 

  • Past training presentations
  • “Know Your Rights” flyers in multiple languages
  • More info on LAUSD safe zone policies