Jennifer Cortez, a teacher in East Los Angeles, greeted students on their first day back at school, holding a sign declaring it a safe space for immigrants. The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) welcomed over 500,000 students amid heightened fears of immigration raids, especially following the detention of a 15-year-old boy outside a high school.
Parents, like Anna Bermudes, noted a significant drop in attendance compared to previous years, expressing anxiety about their children’s safety. LAUSD Principal Alberto Carvalho emphasized that schools would remain safe spaces, pledging enhanced security and mental health resources. Despite claims from Customs and Border Protection that they were not targeting schools, fears remain palpable among families.
Teachers and staff are committed to protecting students and providing a supportive environment, with initiatives to ensure that all families, regardless of immigration status, receive assistance. Many educators, including Cortez, advocate fiercely for their students’ right to education and safety amidst these challenging circumstances.
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