In a concerning development, federal immigration arrests occurring in Los Angeles at the height of graduation season have prompted school leaders to take decisive action. Los Angeles Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho announced on Monday that the L.A. School Police would establish a safety perimeter around graduation venues. This decision comes in response to reports of potential immigration enforcement activities near these areas. Carvalho emphasized that the lines into venues would be minimized, allowing families to remain inside for as long as necessary in the event of an outside raid.
“I’m addressing you, there are two schools in our community where we see federal vans parked within a couple of blocks,” said Carvalho. “No action has been taken, but we interpret those actions as intimidation, instilling fear that may lead to self-deportation. That is not the community we want to be, nor the state or nation we ought to be.” Carvalho oversees the Los Angeles Unified School District, which is recognized as the second-largest school district in the nation. With approximately 100 graduation-related events scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, the district is taking every precaution to ensure student safety.
To further support families during this unsettling time, Carvalho announced that a virtual option would be provided for families to watch graduation ceremonies online. Earlier on Monday, a flyer circulated calling for students to walk out of class in protest of the immigration arrests. Carvalho stated that while he respects students' rights to protest, he urged families to encourage their children to remain on campus for safety reasons.
Defending the mission of the Los Angeles Unified School District, Carvalho asserted that the district is committed to providing education and meals to all students, regardless of their immigration status. He highlighted the importance of families updating their contact and emergency information with their schools and advised them to prepare backup plans in case caregivers are taken into custody.
In a related political climate, President Trump suggested during a televised interview that California Governor Gavin Newsom should be arrested. This remark followed Newsom's comments during an MSNBC interview, where he challenged border czar Tom Homan to arrest him. “I would do it if I were Tom,” Trump replied, expressing approval of the idea. The president criticized Newsom, claiming the governor is “grossly incompetent” regarding state management.
Newsom responded vehemently to Trump’s remarks, labeling them a descent into authoritarianism. “The President of the United States just called for the arrest of a sitting Governor. This is a day I hoped I would never see in America,” he tweeted. Newsom emphasized the importance of upholding democratic norms and warned that such rhetoric poses a significant threat to the nation.
Meanwhile, federal authorities charged David Huerta, the president of the Service Employees International Union California, with conspiracy to impede an officer during an immigration enforcement raid. Huerta has been detained since Friday and is facing a felony charge that could result in up to six years in federal prison. California Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla have demanded a review of Huerta's arrest, expressing concern for his rights as a citizen and union leader.
“It is deeply troubling that a U.S. citizen, union leader, and upstanding member of the Los Angeles community continues to be detained by the federal government for exercising his rights,” the senators stated in their letter to the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice.
The atmosphere in the vicinity of Los Angeles City Hall was tense on Monday morning, with city workers assessing damage from recent protests. Broken windows and graffiti adorned the Art Deco building, showcasing the community's unrest regarding immigration policies. As federal authorities continue to crack down on immigration enforcement, community leaders and activists are mobilizing, with rallies planned in multiple cities across the U.S. to demand Huerta's release and an end to workplace immigration raids.
Bill Essayli, the U.S. attorney in L.A., accused Huerta of obstructing law enforcement during the raid, stating that he would not receive special treatment because of his political connections. In response to the unrest, Governor Newsom announced plans to sue the federal government over the deployment of National Guard troops in Los Angeles, asserting that there is no need for such a presence and accusing Trump of creating a crisis for political gain.
The situation remains fluid, with many California officials expressing concern over the implications of federal actions in their state. As the community grapples with these challenges, the need for solidarity and support for all residents remains paramount.
