LOS ANGELES (KTLA) — Homeland Security agents attempted to enter two Los Angeles schools this week, in what is believed to be their first such attempt in the city since the Trump administration began its strict immigration crackdown.
The agents were denied entry.
Two federal officials attempted to enter Lillian Street Elementary School and Russell Elementary School on Monday — both located in L.A.’s Florence-Graham neighborhood. School administrators turned them away, following Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) protocols.
The agents were from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the district later confirmed.
Two schools at the LAUSD denied entry to agents with the Department of Homeland Security amid an immigration crackdown from the Trump administration. (KTLA) Two schools at the LAUSD denied entry to agents with the Department of Homeland Security amid an immigration crackdown from the Trump administration. (KTLA)
DHS has not commented publicly on the matter.
As of Thursday morning, the exact goal of the agents was unclear.
The attempt to enter two LAUSD schools comes after Trump’s administration authorized federal agents to enter “sensitive areas” to conduct immigration-related investigations — something that was against the Biden administration’s guidelines.
“Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest,” said former acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman on Jan. 21, who ran the department before Kristi Noem was sworn in on Jan. 25. “The Trump Administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement, and instead trusts them to use common sense.”
In February, Denver Public Schools sued DHS over a Trump administration policy allowing ICE to conduct raids in schools, saying the policy had led to decreased attendance and a diversion of resources at the schools. School officials in Chicago have also spoken out about federal agents entering their public schools, while New York City principals were reminded of policies including one against collecting information on a student’s immigration status.
California officials previously offered guidance to schools on state law limiting local participation in immigration enforcement. Earlier this year, schools in the LAUSD distributed “red cards” and other resources to remind immigrant community members of their legal rights.
While immigration officials can now show up to schools, administrators do not have to let them in without a warrant, and school officials are not allowed to reveal the immigration status of a particular student, The Hill previously reported.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
