Los Angeles teachers are patrolling neighborhoods near schools for ICE agents — a rogue effort the school district disavowed as it ramps up support for immigrant families, while DHS blasts critics for pushing a "false narrative" about enforcement at schools.
"We recognize the fear and uncertainty that immigration enforcement activity can create for students, families, and staff," a Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)spokesperson told Fox News Digital on Friday. "Our responsibility is to ensure our schools remain safe, supportive, and welcoming places for every student. We have strengthened communication and coordination with city leaders and municipal partners, increased our presence in impacted communities, and established rapid-response protocols should enforcement activity occur."
The spokesperson was responding to a report that teachers were participating in "ICE Patrols" before the school day begins, driving through neighborhoods near schools to search for signs of federal immigration agents. CBS Los Angeles reported on the patrols, joining a ride-along with Los Angeles teacher Lupe Carrasco Cardona and other members of an anti-immigration enforcement group, called Unión del Barrio. When the group spots suspected ICE activity, members document what they see — including photographing license plates — and alert families and others in the community.
The patrols are not sanctioned by LAUSD, according to the district, but they come as the nation’s second-largest school system has built its own network of services for families worried about immigration enforcement — including legal referrals, "Know Your Rights" resources, transportation assistance and alternative learning options.
"Tinted windows, that is a red flag. We’re looking for double-parked like this one; that would be a red flag," another teacher riding with Cardona told the outlet.
The teachers say their patrols have helped families, with Cardona saying some community members plan their days around the group’s reports.
"It's been really beautiful to witness teachers devoting their own personal time to just watching the neighborhood and making sure that it's safe," said United Teachers Los Angeles chapter chair Jon Paul Arciniega. "It's been really beneficial."
The district provides families with "24/7 access to Know Your Rights resources, legal referrals, mental health services, and a dedicated hotline" through its "We Are One" campaign," said the spokesperson. LAUSD also offers a multilingual Family Preparedness Packet to help families understand their rights and prepare for encounters with immigration officers.
GEORGIA ICE SWEEP NABS OVER 700 CRIMINAL ILLEGAL ALIENS, INCLUDING SEX OFFENDERS, CHILD ABUSERS
"We do not ask about or share a student's immigration status unless required by law, and we remain committed to maintaining safe zones around our schools," said the spokesperson.
The schools also offer access to transportation assistance, alternative learning options through the Virtual Academy, and referrals to legal service providers.
"ICE is not going to schools to make arrests. If a dangerous or violent illegal criminal alien felon were to flee into a daycare, or a child sex offender is working as an employee, there may be a situation where an arrest is made to protect the safety of the children," a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told Fox News Digital.
"This is just another false narrative to try and demonize our brave ICE law enforcement who are facing a 1,300% increase in assaults against them and an 8000% increase in death threats," the DHS spokesperson added. "Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin, ICE is targeting the worst of the worst. Nearly 70% of ICE arrests are of illegal aliens charged or convicted of a crime in the U.S. "
TRUMP’S DC LAW-AND-ORDER BLITZ MARKS ONE YEAR WITH EYE-POPPING HAUL OF SUSPECTS
ICE amped up operations in Los Angeles last year, with Mayor Karen Bass recently reaffirming her support for immigrant communities, saying, "We will always protect our neighbors, and we continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with immigrant families in LA and everywhere."