LA Teachers union Demands Protection for Immigrant Students Amidst Federal Immigration Actions
los Angeles, CA – The United Teachers Los angeles (UTLA) union held a rally Saturday, demanding that the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) publicly call for the immediate return of deported or detained students. Union members vowed to shut down the school system if their demands were not met, directing their criticism primarily at the federal government’s immigration policies.UTLA President Cecily Myart-Cruz stated, “This violence affects all of us. Immigrant students are Black, they’re brown and they’re Asian. And the trauma inflicted on these communities impacts every single one of them.” She emphasized that the mental well-being of entire classrooms is at stake, urging LAUSD to join educators in advocating for the resumption of education for affected students.
In response, the school district issued a statement affirming a shared commitment to protecting all students, including immigrant children. “It is clear that Los Angeles Unified and our labor partners are united in our deep commitment to protect every student, including our immigrant children,” the statement read. “Together, we will continue to take every measure necessary to ensure that all children in Los Angeles are safe, supported, and educated – rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution.”
LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, in his back-to-school address, commended two principals who, along with their staff, prevented immigration agents from entering two elementary school campuses in April. The agents claimed to be conducting welfare checks on specific students but provided no supporting documentation. Carvalho praised the principals for acting as “shields, protecting the innocent lives of 7-, 8-, 10-year-olds from fear they should never, ever know.”
School district officials have highlighted a series of measures implemented to safeguard students and families,characterizing campuses as safe environments from which federal immigration agents will be excluded to the fullest extent of the law.
The rally occurred as UTLA is engaged in contract negotiations with LAUSD. While rallies are a standard tactic for unions during contract talks, Saturday’s event was predominantly focused on supporting those impacted by federal immigration sweeps in the Los angeles area.Spectator and LAUSD board Member Nick Schmerelson noted that some of the ideas presented seemed “very workable,” referencing the superintendent’s efforts on “safe passageways” as a safety perimeter.
