Ramona School Board Member's Deportation Comments Spark Backlash

Families express outrage over board member's remarks about deporting 'illegal aliens' and the benefits to the district.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Families in the Ramona Unified School District expressed outrage after board member Maya Phillips made comments about the benefits of deporting 'illegal aliens' or undocumented immigrants with children during a recent school board meeting. Phillips claimed deportations would improve the teacher-to-student ratio and represent economic savings for the district. The comments provoked a strong reaction on social media, with many calling for Phillips' resignation and holding the other board members accountable for their silence.

Why it matters

The Ramona Unified School District serves a diverse community, with Phillips' district having the largest Hispanic and immigrant population in the area. Her comments were seen as insensitive and harmful, raising concerns about the district's commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all students, regardless of their immigration status.

The details

During the March 3 board meeting, Phillips, who represents Area 1, said that the more 'illegal aliens' or undocumented immigrants with children are deported from Ramona, the better the teacher-to-student ratio. She also added that deportations would represent economic savings for the district, since they would not have to hire more teachers to improve the teacher-student ratio. This situation provoked a strong reaction on social media, where comments described Philips' comments as 'disgustingly atrocious and despicable,' and many are calling for her resignation.

  • The comments were made during the March 3 school board meeting.
  • The backlash and calls for Phillips' resignation have occurred in the days following the meeting.

The players

Maya Phillips

A member of the Ramona Unified School District Board of Trustees, representing Area 1, who made the controversial comments about deporting 'illegal aliens' and the benefits to the district.

Ramona Unified School District

The school district serving the Ramona, California community, which has faced backlash over Phillips' comments.

Yolanda Morado

A grandmother of students in the Ramona Unified School District who expressed concern about the impact of Phillips' comments on the community.

Estela Lucas

A grandmother of seven students in the Ramona Unified School District who expressed sadness over Phillips' comments.

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What they’re saying

“Of course, of course, yes. Apart from the fact that this land was ours, right? From Mexico.”

— Yolanda Morado, Grandmother of students (Telemundo 20)

“Well, it makes me sad because, definitely, this country, even if they call us illegal, the United States took over what is ours.”

— Estela Lucas, Grandmother of seven students (Telemundo 20)

“Instead of helping us, she is going to knock us down.”

— Yolanda Morado, Grandmother of students (Telemundo 20)

What’s next

The school district has stated that it is committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all students, and that it will continue to follow all local, state, and federal laws regarding student admission and cooperation with law enforcement. The district has also indicated that it will seek legal guidance as needed to remain in compliance.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and sensitivities around immigration and education, particularly in diverse communities. It underscores the importance of school board members and leaders upholding values of inclusivity and non-discrimination, and the need for open and respectful dialogue to address complex issues.