Anti-ICE Protesters Disrupt SoCal School Board Vote on Law Enforcement Support

Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District meeting erupts over proposed resolution backing local and federal law enforcement officers

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Anti-ICE protesters overwhelmed a Southern California school board meeting where trustees proposed a resolution affirming support for local law enforcement and federal immigration officers. The contentious debate led the board to change the wording of the resolution, removing specific mentions of immigration enforcement, though it ultimately passed 5-0 and will be revisited next month.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the ongoing tensions in some communities over the role of law enforcement, particularly federal immigration authorities, and the debate over how schools should approach these issues. It comes after recent student walkouts in Orange County protesting immigration enforcement efforts.

The details

At the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District board meeting, Trustee Leandra Blades proposed a resolution 'affirming its support for local law enforcement officers and federal immigration officers who carry out their duties professionally and lawfully.' This sparked outrage from anti-ICE protesters, who argued the resolution was meant to 'support the MAGA and white supremacist agenda.' The board ultimately changed the wording to remove specific references to immigration enforcement, though Blades criticized the changes, saying a fellow board member allowed 'teachers now to pass out the anti-ICE cards' explaining 'how to evade law enforcement.'

  • The school board meeting took place on February 10, 2026.
  • Students in Orange County schools walked out of class last week to protest immigration enforcement efforts.

The players

Leandra Blades

A trustee on the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District board who proposed the resolution affirming support for law enforcement, including federal immigration officers.

Tricia Quintero

A fellow board member who criticized the resolution, saying the 'anti-ICE cards' distributed contained 'constitutional rights that every person in this country has.'

Bethany Anderson

Runs a legal clinic for immigrants in Placentia and said 'The community is not going to tolerate pro-ICE propaganda in our community.'

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What they’re saying

“The community is not going to tolerate pro-ICE propaganda in our community.”

— Bethany Anderson, Runs a legal clinic for immigrants in Placentia (ABC 7)

“Everyone has come up here and only referenced ICE, but this policy and the resolution talks about local, state and federal law enforcement.”

— Leandra Blades, School Board Trustee (KABC)

“Allowing teachers now to pass out the anti-ICE cards' explaining 'how to evade law enforcement.”

— Leandra Blades, School Board Trustee (KABC)

“The cards contain 'constitutional rights that every person in this country has.”

— Tricia Quintero, School Board Member (KABC)

What’s next

The school board will take up the resolution again at their meeting next month to clarify the details.

The takeaway

This incident reflects the ongoing tensions in some communities over the role of law enforcement, particularly federal immigration authorities, and the debate over how schools should approach these sensitive political issues. It underscores the need for open and thoughtful dialogue to find solutions that balance public safety, civil liberties, and the needs of diverse communities.