LA Teachers' Union Accused of Promoting Anti-ICE 'Resistance'

Exposé reveals union allegedly using schools to interfere with immigration enforcement.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A report from Defending Education has exposed documents from the United Teachers of Los Angeles (UTLA) union that appear to show the union planning to use school resources as part of a campaign to demonize and interfere with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. The union reportedly wanted to offer 'service learning hours' for protest activities and provide 'know your rights' training that falsely asserts illegal aliens have constitutional rights.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about teachers' unions potentially misusing school resources and student time to promote political agendas, rather than focusing on educating students. There are also questions about whether the union's alleged actions could violate laws prohibiting interference with federal immigration enforcement.

The details

The Defending Education report claims UTLA planning documents show the union wanting to use school budgets to buy equipment like bullhorns and whistles, use security cameras to monitor for ICE agents, and organize 'rapid response' phone trees to alert the community if ICE officers arrive. The union also reportedly transformed a school leadership council into a forum for anti-ICE 'resistance' and declared school buildings as 'sanctuary spaces' to defend against immigration enforcement.

  • The Defending Education report was released on February 10, 2026.

The players

United Teachers of Los Angeles (UTLA)

The teachers' union representing educators in the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws in the United States.

Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)

The public school district serving the city of Los Angeles.

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What’s next

It is unclear if any legal action will be taken against the UTLA union for its alleged activities.

The takeaway

This case raises serious questions about the appropriate role of teachers' unions and whether they should be using school resources and student time to promote political agendas, rather than focusing on educating students. There are also concerns about potential violations of laws prohibiting interference with federal immigration enforcement.