Pasadena Unified Reaffirms Immigration Policy After DHS Incidents At LA Schools

Pasadena Unified School District reissued its policy statement on immigration enforcement to community members on Monday, days after a Los Angeles incident in which Department of Homeland Security agents attempted to enter two Los Angeles elementary schools.

The April 14 PUSD email restated the District’s policies regarding immigration enforcement on school campuses.

“At the Pasadena Unified School District, we are committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment for every student, regardless of immigration status,” the District stated in its email. “We believe that schools must be places where all students feel secure, supported, and can focus on learning without fear.”

The policy reissuance came days after an April 7 incident where agents from the Department of Homeland Security attempted to enter Russell Elementary School and Lillian Street Elementary School in South Los Angeles. School administrators denied the agents access by following District protocols. According to multiple reports, the agents were seeking information about specific elementary school students.

PUSD’s statement emphasized that immigration enforcement agents must have a warrant to access school campuses, in accordance with state and federal law. The District has conducted training on protocols regarding immigration enforcement actions.

“We do not collect or share information about students’ immigration status, and we stand firmly against any actions that could disrupt the safety and stability of our learning environments,” the District said.

This week’s statement continues the District’s approach dating back to at least December 2016, when the District passed a resolution barring Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from District property without a warrant.

That 2016 resolution required all personnel to obtain Superintendent approval before allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement on campuses, prohibited employees from asking about or sharing immigration status unless compelled by law, and pledged to publicly disclose any Immigration and Customs Enforcement contacts or attempted contacts.

In November 2024, PUSD and the City of Pasadena issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to safe and welcoming spaces.

PUSD concluded its April 14 statement by emphasizing, “Every child and family is welcome in PUSD, and individuals deserve to feel that they belong in our school communities.”