Overview

• On April 10, 2025, federal agents attempted to enter Lillian Street and Russell Elementary Schools in South Los Angeles but were turned away by school administrators following district protocols.
• The agents, identified as part of Homeland Security Investigations, claimed to be conducting wellness checks but reportedly used false claims of parental authorization to request access to five students.
• LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho reaffirmed the district’s sanctuary policies, emphasizing the legal right of all students to a safe and free public education regardless of immigration status.
• This incident marks the first known attempt by federal agents to access Los Angeles schools since the Trump administration expanded immigration enforcement into sensitive areas like schools.
• The Department of Homeland Security has yet to clarify the purpose of the agents’ visit, while public officials and advocacy groups condemn the tactic as intimidating and inappropriate.