(LOS ANGELES) The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has launched a $1 million “compassion fund” in August 2025 to help families and employees facing hardship after a sharp rise in immigration enforcement, including recent ICE raids. As the 2025-26 school year begins, this new fund aims to ease fear and stress among immigrant communities across Los Angeles.
The compassion fund, announced on August 5, 2025, provides direct financial help for LAUSD families and staff affected by immigration enforcement. The fund covers urgent needs like legal fees for immigration defense, rent, food, school supplies, and other basic costs. LAUSD leaders say the fund is open to both students’ families and district employees, with priority given to those directly impacted by recent raids, detentions, or deportations. Applications are confidential to protect privacy, and the district is working with local immigrant rights groups and legal aid organizations to identify and support those in need.
How the LAUSD Compassion Fund Works
- 📋 Who can apply: LAUSD students’ families and district employees affected by immigration enforcement.
- 📋 What it covers: Legal fees, rent, food, school supplies, and other urgent needs.
- 📋 How to apply: Confidential applications through the LAUSD Office of Student, Family & Community Engagement or partner organizations.
- 📋 Privacy: The process is designed to protect applicants’ identities and minimize risk.
- 📋 Where to get more info: Details are available on the LAUSD Immigration Resources page and through school counselors.
Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, who was once an undocumented immigrant himself, spoke out during his July 25, 2025, “Opening of Schools” speech. He said,
“Los Angeles Unified will not stand for injustice. Los Angeles Unified will not stand by while fear walks through our neighborhoods cloaked as policy.”
Carvalho stressed that the district is committed to keeping schools safe and supporting families facing immigration enforcement.
Board President Scott Schmerelson called the current situation “an unprecedented attack” on local communities. He promised that LAUSD would do everything possible to ensure student safety and well-being.
Background: Why the Fund Was Created
In early 2025, the Trump administration reversed rules from the Obama era, allowing ICE and CBP to make arrests in sensitive places like schools and churches. This change led to more immigration enforcement actions near LAUSD campuses, causing widespread fear among students and families. Many parents worry about being picked up during school drop-off or pick-up, and some students are afraid to attend class.
LAUSD responded by reaffirming its sanctuary district status in June 2025. The district passed Resolution 086-24/25, making all schools sanctuary spaces and condemning the increased presence of immigration agents in neighborhoods. LAUSD has policies to stop ICE agents from entering campuses without a judge’s warrant, following California law and advice from Attorney General Rob Bonta.
To help families prepare, LAUSD expanded its “We Are One” campaign. The district now offers Know Your Rights cards, family preparedness plans, and webinars in several languages. These resources help families understand what to do if they face immigration enforcement and how to protect their rights. The district’s Immigration Resource Guide and Family Preparedness Toolkit are available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.
Community Response and Calls for More Action
On August 3, 2025, hundreds of teachers and students marched to LAUSD headquarters, demanding stronger protections. They called for a two-block buffer zone around schools, more material support, and virtual learning options for students at risk of deportation. United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) criticized current district policies as not strong enough and asked for more action.
Advocates for immigrant families praised the compassion fund as a much-needed lifeline. However, they warned that relying on private donations is not enough. They called for more public investment and policy changes to protect families in the long term. Tenant and housing advocates also urged the city to expand eviction protections and prioritize immigrant families for rent relief.
City and County Programs: More Help on the Way
The City of Los Angeles and L.A. County are also setting up cash assistance programs for immigrant families affected by raids. Mayor Karen Bass announced the city’s program in July 2025, which will be funded by donations and may give “a couple hundred dollars” per family using prepaid debit cards. Advocates are pushing for the city to use money from the “mansion tax” (Measure ULA), with $14.6 million set aside for income support for households affected by immigration enforcement this fall.
While the city and county programs are still being finalized, they are expected to provide more help in the coming weeks. Details about who qualifies and how to apply will be shared later in August 2025.
How Families Can Get Support
- ✅ Apply for the compassion fund: Contact the LAUSD Office of Student, Family & Community Engagement at (213) 503-0883 or [email protected].
- ✅ Find resources: Visit the LAUSD Immigration Resources page for information on legal aid, Know Your Rights, and family preparedness.
- ✅ Use the Family Preparedness Toolkit: Available at ilrc.me/resources.
- ✅ Ask for help at school: School counselors can guide families to the right resources and help with applications.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for LAUSD and Immigrant Families
LAUSD officials say the compassion fund is just one part of a larger plan to defend immigrant rights and keep schools safe. The district is seeking more donations to grow the fund and is working with community partners to reach more families. City and county leaders are also finalizing their own cash assistance programs, with more details expected soon.
Advocates continue to push for new laws and policies at the city and state level to give immigrant families stronger, long-term protections. They want to see more public funding, better eviction protections, and expanded support for students and families facing immigration enforcement.
Summary of Key Facts (as of August 5, 2025):
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| LAUSD compassion fund launch | August 2025, starting with $1 million in donations. |
| Fund support | Provides legal, financial, and material support to families and employees affected by immigration enforcement. |
| Application process | Confidential, with resources available through LAUSD and partner organizations. |
| City and county programs | Cash assistance programs are in development, with details pending. |
| Sanctuary status | District reaffirms sanctuary status and expands Know Your Rights and preparedness resources. |
| Advocacy | Teachers and advocates demand stronger protections and broader support for immigrant students and families. |
For the most current updates, visit the LAUSD official website and the “We Are One” campaign portal. As reported by VisaVerge.com, these efforts reflect a growing movement to support immigrant families and protect students during a time of increased immigration enforcement. Families are encouraged to use all available resources and reach out for help if they are affected.
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