LA’s schools boss, Alberto Carvalho, has faced criticism for his anti-ICE rhetoric as students in the city gear up to protest against illegal immigration crackdowns. Carvalho, the Superintendent of Los Angeles Unified School District, has been a vocal critic of federal immigration enforcement, denouncing it as “immoral, unethical, and illegal” at a press conference in September. He also shared a video online in which ICE agents were allegedly seen urinating on school grounds, calling it a “new level of despicable insult.”
However, Carvalho’s comments have drawn backlash from California State Superintendent candidate Sonja Shaw, who highlighted the low literacy and academic performance levels among students in the district. Shaw emphasized the need to prioritize education over chaotic protests.
The ongoing protests in Los Angeles, involving students and sometimes turning violent, have prompted the Los Angeles Police Department to urge teens to remain in class rather than participate in anti-ICE demonstrations. The city’s top cop, Jim McDonnell, has advised protester teens to exercise caution.
U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli has warned that his office will not tolerate unruly student protesters, releasing images of two teens suspected of attacking ICE agents during a recent demonstration. Two federal agents were reportedly injured by rock-throwing rioters, and instances of flag burning, vandalism, and violence against law enforcement have been reported.
In response to the protests, LAPD officials have cautioned students against cutting class to participate in demonstrations, emphasizing that school attendance is mandatory and legal consequences may apply to both students and adults aiding them. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell stressed the importance of exercising First Amendment rights responsibly to avoid long-term repercussions.
Carvalho, an undocumented immigrant himself, has taken measures to protect students from ICE visits to schools, including implementing anti-ICE safety perimeters during graduation ceremonies. Despite calls from far-left activists for high school students to rebel against federal agents, the district is focusing on providing on-campus opportunities for student expression and facilitating meaningful discussions.
While Carvalho was unable to respond to the LAPD’s statement personally due to a school board meeting, an LAUSD spokeswoman expressed concerns for student safety during off-campus demonstrations. The district is committed to supporting students in engaging in age-appropriate discussions and promoting a safe learning environment.
