Immigration agents detain teen near LA high school

LAUSD says a 15 year old boy was detained outside Arleta High School in an apparent mistaken identity case and later released.

Immigration agents detain teen outside LA high school

A high school student was detained by federal agents outside Arleta High School in an apparent mistaken identity incident, according to Los Angeles Unified School District officials. The district said agents handcuffed the youth, pulled him from a vehicle, and briefly detained him while confronting a family member who was with a female student during registration. The student, who is 15 and has disabilities, was released at the scene. The district has not identified the student and said his citizenship status is not known. CBS News Los Angeles later reported that the boy attends San Fernando High School and was present for a family member’s registration. LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho described the episode as disturbing and unacceptable, and the district said it is reviewing the actions of the agents. Surveillance footage exists but will not be released to protect the student’s privacy. The incident occurred as immigration enforcement operations expanded across the county and followed a noted drop in school attendance toward the end of the 2024-25 year, prompting a district news conference about immigrant students and families. The district also noted it is engaging with local police to address community concerns as the new school year begins.

The episode sheds light on how immigration enforcement intersects with school environments. Even when authorities say the action was a mistaken identity, a moment outside a public school can erode trust and raise fear among families who already navigate a complicated legal landscape. Schools face a delicate balancing act between safeguarding students and protecting privacy, while districts need clear guidelines on what constitutes appropriate enforcement near campuses. The decision to withhold video evidence to preserve privacy may protect a vulnerable student but also feeds questions about transparency and accountability. As attendance trends show stress in immigrant communities, policymakers must consider how to prevent chilling effects and ensure that schools remain safe spaces for learning rather than flashpoints for fear.

Highlights

Trust in public institutions depends on consistent rules and transparent handling of tense moments near schools.