Key Takeaways
• Since June 2025, ICE increased detentions near graduations in Los Angeles, impacting families and attendance.
• At least 56 arrests occurred, including Maywood Academy students, sparking protests and National Guard deployment.
• LAUSD implemented protective measures like police perimeters and live streams to safeguard graduations from ICE raids.
The 2025 graduation season in Los Angeles has become a time of both celebration and fear for many families. As thousands of students prepare to walk across the stage and receive their diplomas, a surge in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention activity has cast a shadow over these important milestones. Since early June, ICE agents have increased their presence in Los Angeles, detaining individuals at stores, churches, and public spaces, especially in neighborhoods like Huntington Park and the Westlake District. This has left many families, particularly those with undocumented members, facing a difficult choice: risk ICE detention to attend graduation ceremonies or miss out on celebrating their loved ones’ achievements.
Graduation Ceremonies Under Threat
Graduation ceremonies are usually joyful events, marking years of hard work for students and their families. In Los Angeles, home to the nation’s second-largest school district, these ceremonies are especially meaningful. However, the recent wave of ICE raids has changed the atmosphere. Many families now weigh the risk of detention against the desire to see their children graduate. Some choose to stay home, while others attend but remain on high alert, scanning the area for signs of ICE activity.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the fear of ICE detention has led to lower attendance at graduation ceremonies, with some schools reporting that entire families have chosen to watch from home rather than risk being separated. At Maywood Academy High School, for example, 230 seniors graduated in June 2025. The auditorium, which can hold about 2,000 people, was mostly full, but several families decided not to attend due to concerns about ICE.
Recent Arrests and Community Impact
The increased ICE activity has resulted in at least 56 arrests in the Los Angeles area during recent raids and related protests. Among those detained are students and their family members, including a top 10th-grade student and her family from Maywood Academy High School. They were taken to a detention facility in Texas, far from their home and community. These arrests have sparked outrage and fear among students, teachers, and community members.
The emotional toll on students is significant. Many express guilt and sadness that their achievements are overshadowed by fear and uncertainty. Teachers report receiving messages from students terrified for their families’ safety. Some students, suddenly separated from parents, have had to take on new responsibilities, becoming breadwinners or caretakers overnight.
National Guard Deployment and Political Response
The situation escalated further when President Trump deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles following violent protests and unrest triggered by the ICE raids. This move has been criticized by local and national leaders, who argue that it only increases tension and fear in immigrant communities. The presence of the National Guard, combined with ongoing ICE operations, has made many families feel even less safe attending public events like graduation ceremonies.
LAUSD’s Protective Measures
In response to the heightened risk, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has put several protective measures in place to help keep students and families safe during graduation season:
- School police set up perimeters around graduation venues to monitor for ICE activity.
- Officers are instructed to intervene if ICE attempts enforcement without proper documentation.
- Attendees are moved quickly into venues to minimize time spent outside, where they might be more vulnerable.
- Families are allowed to shelter in place if a raid occurs during a ceremony.
- Live streams of ceremonies are offered for families who feel it is too risky to attend in person.
These steps are designed to reduce the risk of ICE detention at graduation events and to reassure families that the district is doing everything possible to protect them.
Community Resources and Support
Many families use crowdsourced ICE sighting websites, such as Notifica and MigraWatch, to check for ICE activity before deciding whether to attend a graduation ceremony. These tools allow users to report and view real-time updates on ICE locations, helping families make informed decisions about their safety.
For those affected by ICE raids, several organizations offer legal and advocacy support:
- Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA)
- Immigrant Defenders Law Center
- ACLU of Southern California
These groups provide legal assistance, help families navigate the detention and deportation process, and advocate for the release and reunification of detained individuals.
Demographics and the Scope of the Issue
Los Angeles is home to a large immigrant population. About 10% of L.A. County residents are undocumented, and as many as 1 in 5 LAUSD students has at least one undocumented parent. This means that ICE detention and the fear of raids affect a significant portion of the community, not just those directly targeted.
The impact is felt across the city, with some neighborhoods more affected than others. In areas like Huntington Park and the Westlake District, where many immigrant families live, the fear of ICE is especially strong. Community advocates have set up fundraising campaigns and are lobbying for the release and reunification of detained students and families.
Statements from Key Stakeholders
LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho has spoken out about the district’s commitment to student and family safety. He stated, “Every child has a constitutional right to a public education. Therefore, every child and their parent has a right to celebrate the culmination of their educational success.” This message is meant to reassure families that the district stands with them during this difficult time.
United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA), the teachers’ union, has condemned the raids, calling them “unjust” and “cruel.” The union has organized rallies in support of immigrant communities and protested the arrest of union leader David Huerta, who was charged with felony conspiracy after observing an ICE raid. UTLA and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) continue to provide advocacy and support for immigrant families and workers.
Federal officials, including the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, have been present in Southeast Los Angeles to oversee ICE operations. This high-level involvement signals the federal government’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws, even during sensitive community events like graduation ceremonies.
Family Separation and Trauma
The most painful consequence of ICE detention during graduation season is family separation. When parents or students are detained, families are often split apart with little warning. Some students have reported traumatic conditions in detention centers, including being shackled and receiving poor treatment. The emotional distress caused by these separations can last long after the immediate crisis has passed.
Legal experts warn that targeting families during high-profile community events, such as graduation ceremonies, can have lasting psychological and social consequences. Children may struggle with anxiety, depression, and a sense of instability. The fear of ICE detention can also discourage families from participating in important community events, further isolating them.
Reduced Graduation Attendance and School Adaptations
Because of the risk of ICE detention, many families have chosen not to attend graduation ceremonies in person. Schools have adapted by offering live streams and virtual attendance options, allowing families to watch from home. While this helps some families feel safer, it cannot replace the experience of being there in person to celebrate a loved one’s achievement.
At Maywood Academy High School, for example, the auditorium was not as full as in previous years, even though 230 seniors graduated. This pattern is repeated across the city, with many families missing out on a once-in-a-lifetime event because of fear.
Increased Community Tension and Protests
The ICE raids and resulting detentions have led to protests and unrest in several Los Angeles neighborhoods. Community members, teachers, and union leaders have organized rallies to demand an end to the raids and to support affected families. The deployment of the National Guard has only heightened tensions, with some protests turning violent and resulting in property damage.
These events have strained relationships between immigrant communities, law enforcement, and federal authorities. Many residents feel caught in the middle, wanting to support their families while also fearing the consequences of speaking out or attending public events.
Step-by-Step Procedures for Families
For families worried about ICE detention during graduation season, several practical steps can help reduce risk:
- Assess Risk: Use crowdsourced ICE sighting websites to check for ICE activity before attending public events.
- Follow School District Protocols:
- Arrive early to minimize time spent outside venues.
- Listen to instructions from school police and staff regarding entry and exit.
- Use live streams if attending in person feels too risky.
- Seek Legal and Advocacy Support: If affected by a raid, contact local immigrant rights organizations, legal aid, and advocacy groups for help with detention and deportation proceedings.
These steps can help families make informed decisions and access support if needed.
Background: Ongoing Tensions and Policy Shifts
Los Angeles has a long history of tension between immigrant communities and federal immigration authorities. The city and LAUSD have declared themselves “sanctuary” jurisdictions, meaning they limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. However, this has not stopped ICE from conducting raids, especially under President Trump’s administration, which has focused on mass deportations.
In the past, ICE generally avoided enforcement actions at “sensitive locations” like schools. But recent months have seen a shift toward more aggressive tactics, including targeting individuals at or near community events. This change has left many families feeling less safe, even in places that were once considered off-limits to immigration enforcement.
Future Outlook and Anticipated Developments
With over 100 graduation ceremonies scheduled in Los Angeles through mid-June, concerns remain high that ICE operations will continue to affect attendance and community safety. Ongoing protests, legal challenges, and advocacy efforts are expected to intensify, especially as more families are detained or separated.
Local and state officials, as well as advocacy groups, are pushing for stronger protections and clearer protocols to prevent ICE from targeting families during school events. However, as of June 16, 2025, no new federal policy changes have been announced. The situation remains fluid, with community members and leaders continuing to fight for the right to celebrate educational achievements without fear.
Official Resources and Support
Families and community members seeking information or support can access several official resources:
- LAUSD: For updates and support, visit the LAUSD official website or contact the district’s Office of Student, Family, and Community Engagement.
- Legal Aid: Organizations such as the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), Immigrant Defenders Law Center, and the ACLU of Southern California offer legal assistance to those affected by ICE detention.
- ICE Sightings: Websites like Notifica and MigraWatch provide real-time updates on ICE activity in the area.
- Advocacy and Support: United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) and Service Employees International Union (SEIU) offer advocacy and support for immigrant families and workers.
For more information on ICE policies and enforcement, the official ICE website provides up-to-date details on operations and procedures.
Practical Takeaways for Families and the Community
- Stay Informed: Use trusted sources to check for ICE activity before attending public events.
- Follow School Guidance: Listen to instructions from school staff and use virtual attendance options if needed.
- Seek Help: Reach out to legal aid and advocacy organizations for support if you or a family member is detained.
- Support Each Other: Community solidarity is important. Attend rallies, support fundraising campaigns, and advocate for policy changes that protect families.
The 2025 graduation season in Los Angeles has shown how immigration enforcement can affect even the most personal and important moments in people’s lives. While schools and communities are working hard to protect families, the fear of ICE detention remains a real and pressing concern. As the situation continues to develop, staying informed and connected to community resources is the best way for families to protect themselves and support each other during these challenging times.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, responsible for enforcing immigration laws and detentions.
Graduation Ceremony → An event where students receive diplomas marking completion of their academic programs.
Detention Facility → A place where immigrants are held during immigration enforcement processes.
National Guard → Military forces deployed for domestic emergencies, including civil unrest and security.
Sanctuary Jurisdiction → Areas limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect immigrant residents.
This Article in a Nutshell
Los Angeles graduation season in 2025 faces fear as ICE raids surge. Families risk detention attending ceremonies. LAUSD offers legal support and live streams. Arrests and National Guard deployment highlight tensions, impacting community safety and student participation in key celebratory events amid immigration enforcement actions.
— By VisaVerge.com
