A Rally for Immigrant Families and Educational Rights
On Saturday, the Los Angeles teachers union and its allies gathered for a powerful rally, urging the school district to take a stronger stance in protecting immigrant families. The event called for the federal government to return all detained and deported students to Los Angeles, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
School district officials responded with statements and at the rally itself, highlighting their commitment to supporting immigrant families while downplaying the union’s confrontational tone. They emphasized that they are united with various community groups in this effort.
The rally took place outside the school district headquarters and included a march through downtown Los Angeles. Approximately 500 participants attended, many wearing bright red shirts associated with United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA), which represents about 38,000 educators, including teachers, counselors, social workers, nurses, and librarians.
Chants of “Education not deportation” and “Say it loud! Say it clear! Immigrants are welcome here!” echoed throughout the event. Speakers at the rally included Vanessa Guerrero, a rising senior from Miguel Contreras Learning Complex. She shared the story of a classmate who was taken into custody and deported.
“She was going to be a senior this year,” Vanessa said. “She came to school every day, worked hard, and was an honors student. She contributed to the school community and was a great person.”
Vanessa explained that her classmate and her mother were seized during an immigration appointment. “Honestly, everyone is terrified,” she added.
Demands for Action and Support
The union called for a direct confrontation with the Trump administration, including involvement in litigation to protect immigrant rights. While the school system is not currently involved in legal actions against the administration, district leaders have criticized its policies.
UTLA has made several specific demands, including establishing a two-block perimeter around schools where immigration agents would not be allowed. However, it remains unclear whether district officials or staff would have jurisdiction beyond school grounds.
Another key demand is the creation of a formal campaign to help families update emergency contact information, adding more trusted adults to the list in case parents are detained. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho mentioned that outreach for this purpose is ongoing.
The union also wants counselors to return to work before the first day of school to ensure affected families feel comfortable sending their children back to school. It is still unclear how many students or family members have been detained or deported, as the school district does not track immigration status. High-profile cases have been widely reported, but others remain private due to district policies and privacy protections.
Additional Support and Legal Measures
UTLA also seeks to provide food and personal care items to undocumented families sheltering at home. Additionally, they want a virtual learning option for students afraid to attend school due to immigration raids. The union is pushing for a pathway for deported students to earn their LAUSD diplomas through online completion of required units.
They also urge the district to become a leader in providing legal support for those affected by immigration enforcement, including school staff who defend immigrants. While the superintendent's office did not immediately respond to these demands, school board President Scott Schmerelson acknowledged some ideas as workable.
Schmerelson noted that the district is working on safe passageways, referring to the concept of a safety perimeter around schools. He attended the rally as a spectator, expressing support for the union’s efforts.
Commitment to Unity and Safety
UTLA President Cecily Myart-Cruz emphasized the impact of immigration enforcement on entire communities. “Immigrant students are Black, brown, and Asian. The trauma inflicted on these communities affects everyone,” she said. “When a student is torn from their family or lives in fear, their classmates feel it too.”
She added that the mental well-being of classrooms is at stake. “That is why we demand LAUSD join educators in publicly calling our local and state leaders for the immediate return of all students who have been deported or detained so that they can resume their education.”
In response to the rally, the school system reiterated its shared goals. “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.”
Protecting Students and Families
During his traditional back-to-school address, Superintendent Carvalho highlighted two principals who turned away immigration agents at elementary schools in April. The agents claimed to be conducting welfare checks but provided no documentation. The principals followed protocol and their conscience, preventing potential tragedies.
School district officials have outlined measures to protect students and families, characterizing campuses as safe spaces free from federal immigration agents. UTLA is currently involved in contract negotiations with Los Angeles Unified, the nation’s second-largest school system. While rallies are standard practice during contract negotiations, this event focused heavily on supporting those impacted by immigration sweeps in the L.A. area.