Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho announced that enrollment decreased by 4% compared to last year.
Carvalho argued that immigration enforcement operations have led to a “climate of fear” around the district.
“These declines reflect a climate of fear and instability created by ongoing immigration crackdowns, which disrupt family stability, housing, and mobility,” said LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho in a statement reported by ABC 7. “These fears are now exacerbating pre-existing factors that were already driving statewide enrollment declines – including falling birth rates, rising housing costs, and broader economic pressures. When families are afraid to be seen, or when they cannot afford to remain in their communities, they are less likely to enroll, reenroll, or stay in public schools.”
If schools fail to address the enrollment drop, the state will “face long-term ramifications that will affect classrooms, staffing, programming, and the future of public education itself.”
“Our responsibility is to ensure every child – regardless of where they were born – feels safe in our schools,” he added. “We will continue to stand firmly with our immigrant communities and protect every student’s right to a welcoming, stable, and supportive education.”
In October, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted to declare an emergency over federal immigration enforcement in a 4-1 vote.
The proclamation “empowers the County to mobilize resources, expedite contracting and procurement, coordinate interagency response, and request state and federal assistance to protect and stabilize impacted communities,” a press release from Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath read.
“What’s happening in our communities is an emergency — and Los Angeles County is treating it like one,” stated Horvath. “Declaring a Local Emergency ensures that the full weight of County government is aligned to support our immigrant communities who are being targeted by federal actions.
