LA school police responds to ICE raids, immigration enforcement

As part of President Donald Trump's illegal immigration crackdown, restrictions were lifted last week that prevented Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from conducting raids at certain locations including schools and churches. 

Following the announcement, the Los Angeles Unified School District, the nation's second-largest, began handing out "red cards" - also known as "Know Your Rights" cards - to students with information about people's rights if they were ever approached by an immigration officer.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: California schools preparing students for ICE agents amid Trump's executive order

Made by the Immigration Legal Resource Center, the cards include advice such as - don’t open the door if immigration officers knock, don’t answer any questions, and don’t sign anything without first consulting an attorney - to maintain your constitutional rights. 

This week, the Los Angeles School Police Department (LASPD) released a statement reaffiriming its stance on providing a safe environment for all students, regardless of background.

"The Los Angeles School Police Department (LASPD) will not "assist or engage in immigration compliance checks, immigration enforcement activity, or ICE related task force operations," the statement issued by Interim Chief of Police Aaron Pisarzewicz said in part.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: ICE can raid schools, churches under new Trump administration order

"It is our duty to work with school administration to ensure that every student - regardless of disability, gender, gender identity, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic - has the right to attend school in an environment free of crime, intimidation, or hate-oriented actions and dialogue."

Other school districts prepare

Another school district that's preparing for what may come is the Santa Ana Unified School District. The Orange County district put together a training video for students and their families to get them ready for any possible run-ins with ICE agents. 

SAUSD has a protocol in place where the schools will not let the federal agents in without a warrant. The district says it doesn't track students' immigration status, and the Supreme Court ruled in the 1980s that all children, even those who are undocumented, have a right to a public education. 

SUGGESTED: What to do if ICE shows up in California: Immigration resource guide

ICE raids across SoCal

Over the past week, ICE operations have been reported across Southern California, including in Los Angeles, Pomona, and San Diego. 

SUGGESTED: ICE raids reported across Southern California

The Source: Information for this story is from the LASPD, LAUSD, and previous FOX 11 reports.


 

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