Heightened Anxiety Surrounds First Day of School Amid Immigration Enforcement in L.A.

On Thursday morning, educators spread out across Los Angeles public schools to carry out the usual first-day activities aimed at making families feel welcomed and secure. They greeted students with high-fives and warmly welcomed parents as they dropped off their children.

However, this year’s first day carried an additional layer of concern: vigilance for potential federal immigration enforcement presence.

As over half a million students resumed classes within the Los Angeles Unified School District, the atmosphere was marked by unease amid ongoing immigration raids. In response, district officials and community groups coordinated a large-scale effort to reassure families and ensure a safe environment for students.

School district personnel actively monitored areas surrounding schools located in neighborhoods recently targeted by immigration enforcement.

At Charles Maclay Middle School in Pacoima, a predominantly Latino community in the eastern San Fernando Valley, parents and students were welcomed by a group of staff members and volunteers holding signs in both English and Spanish conveying messages of support.

One sign declared, “Este es un espacio seguro para inmigrantes,” which translates to, “This is a safe space for immigrants.”

Meanwhile, a staff member distributed bright orange flyers titled “Know Your Rights,” while the rhythmic beat of an Aztec drum played nearby, adding a cultural touch to the supportive atmosphere.