LA Schools Chief Clashes with Police Over Student Protests Against ICE

Superintendent Alberto Carvalho condemns federal immigration tactics as LAPD urges students to stay in class

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho has been an outspoken critic of federal immigration enforcement, characterizing some tactics as "immoral, unethical and illegal." However, the Los Angeles Police Department has asked student protesters to "chill" and stay in school, warning of potential legal consequences for cutting class to demonstrate. This clash between the schools chief and law enforcement highlights the tensions over immigration issues in the city.

Why it matters

The dispute reflects the broader debate over immigration policies and the role of schools in addressing these issues. Carvalho's strong stance against ICE has made him a target of criticism, while the LAPD is concerned about the potential for violence and disruption from student protests. This highlights the delicate balance schools must strike between supporting student activism and maintaining order.

The details

Carvalho, who came to the U.S. as an undocumented immigrant, has used school police to create "perimeters of safety" around high school graduation ceremonies to prevent ICE agents from making arrests. However, after three weeks of sometimes violent student protests against ICE, the LAPD has asked teens to stay in class rather than demonstrate. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli has also warned of "zero tolerance" for out-of-control protesters, and two federal agents were injured by rock-throwing rioters during a recent protest.

  • In September, Carvalho characterized some federal immigration tactics as "immoral, unethical and illegal."
  • In July, Carvalho shared a video online that he said showed ICE agents urinating on school grounds.
  • For the past three weeks, there have been raucous, sometimes violent student protests against ICE in Los Angeles.

The players

Alberto Carvalho

The superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, who has been a vocal critic of federal immigration enforcement tactics.

Jim McDonnell

The chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, who has urged student protesters to stay in school and warned of potential legal consequences for cutting class.

Bill Essayli

The U.S. Attorney who has promised to "criminally prosecute" two teens suspected of attacking ICE agents during a protest.

Sonja Shaw

A candidate for California State Superintendent, who criticized Carvalho for focusing on immigration issues rather than improving literacy and science education.

Dare To Struggle SoCal

A far-left activist group that has urged high school students to skip class and "rebel against" federal immigration agents.

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What they’re saying

“Fewer than half of the students in Carvalho's Los Angeles Unified School District can read or write at grade level, that's the real crisis here.”

— Sonja Shaw, California State Superintendent candidate (The California Post)

“We support everyone in exercising their First Amendment rights, but we also see what happens too often when young people are out there and being guided, maybe, in the wrong direction.”

— Jim McDonnell, LAPD Chief (Televised interview)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the two teens suspected of attacking ICE agents to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the broader tensions over immigration policies in Los Angeles, with the school district superintendent taking a strong stance against federal enforcement while the police department tries to maintain order and prevent student protesters from getting "jammed up" with arrests that could harm their futures.