High school football teams in Los Angeles are facing a crisis as ongoing ICE raids disrupt student lives, practices, and the wider school community. Since June 2025, these federal immigration enforcement actions have created fear and uncertainty, especially for students and families with mixed or undocumented status. Coaches, educators, and local officials are working urgently to support affected youth, but the situation remains tense and unresolved as the new school year approaches.
Widespread Impact of ICE Raids on Los Angeles High School Football Teams
Over the past six weeks, more than 2,700 people have been arrested in Southern California during a series of highly visible ICE raids. These operations have focused on central Los Angeles neighborhoods, with agents using armored vehicles, tactical gear, and even horses. The raids have taken place near schools, including MacArthur Park, putting students directly in the path of enforcement activity.
Football teams at Contreras, Roybal, and Belmont high schools have been hit especially hard. Coaches report dramatic drops in summer practice attendance. On the day of a major raid, more than 20 Contreras players missed practice because their parents feared for their safety if they left home. Coach Manuel Guevara of Contreras High School shared, “Everybody’s on edge. Families are scared to let their kids out, even for football.”
Belmont High School is struggling to field a football team at all this fall. Enrollment has dropped to under 700 students, down from a peak of over 6,000. All summer sports—including cheer, girls volleyball, and cross-country—have been affected as families keep children home out of fear. According to Coach Kenneth Daniels at Belmont, “We’re not just losing athletes. We’re losing a sense of community.”
Daily Life Disrupted: Students, Families, and School Communities
The effects of the ICE raids go far beyond the football field. Students and families are avoiding public spaces, including school events and practices, worried about being caught up in enforcement actions. After-school programs, already facing budget cuts, are now even more strained as participation drops. Teachers and coaches say the psychological toll is severe. Many students are anxious, distracted, and unable to focus on academics or athletics.
Some students have told coaches they may have to leave Los Angeles entirely because their parents are so afraid of deportation. Others have already been directly affected. At least six families with students in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) have been impacted by the raids. In one case, a student was detained with a parent and transported from Los Angeles to Texas. The Los Angeles Times confirmed that even U.S. citizens have been detained during these operations.
A particularly heartbreaking incident involved 17-year-old Contreras cross country and track athlete Nory Santoy Ramos, who was detained and deported to Guatemala with her mother after attending an immigration appointment. Her story has become a rallying point for students and activists demanding change.
Official Responses: Schools as Safe Havens and Community Support
LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho has reaffirmed that schools are “safe havens” for all students, regardless of immigration status. The district is providing legal support through partner organizations and monitoring affected students closely. However, the greatest concern remains students’ commutes to and from school, where they are most vulnerable to ICE activity.
Superintendent Carvalho stated, “We are committed to protecting our students and making sure they feel safe at school. But we know the journey to and from campus is where many families feel most at risk.”
Coaches and school staff are maintaining constant communication with families, reassuring them about campus safety and coordinating support for students missing practices or facing family disruption. Community organizations are stepping in to provide legal aid and fundraising for detained students and their families.
Political and Community Reactions: Tension and Activism
The ICE raids have sparked strong reactions from city officials and community leaders. L.A. Mayor Karen Bass confronted ICE operations in MacArthur Park in early July, demanding that federal agents leave and expressing anger at the disruption to the community. “Our neighborhoods should not feel like war zones,” Mayor Bass said. “We will not stand by while our children are put at risk.”
Senator Alex Padilla interrupted a Homeland Security press conference in June to demand answers about the raids, highlighting the political tension and urgency surrounding the issue.
Community activism has surged in response. Groups like Students Deserve are organizing protests, providing support to detained students and families, and calling for an end to policing in schools. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the current wave of activism marks a shift from past periods of fear and silence to open resistance and advocacy.
Quantitative Data: The Scope of the Crisis
- More than 2,700 arrests in Southern California ICE raids over six weeks
- At least six LAUSD students’ families directly affected
- U.S. citizens detained during these raids, raising civil rights concerns
- Belmont High School enrollment has dropped to under 700 students, down from over 6,000
- Over 20 Contreras football players missed practice on the day of a major raid
These numbers show the scale of disruption facing Los Angeles high school football teams and the broader school community.
The Human Toll: Anxiety, Uncertainty, and Lost Opportunities
The psychological impact on students, families, and educators is profound. Coaches describe a constant sense of anxiety among players. “We’re supposed to be building teamwork and confidence,” said Coach Michael Galvan of Roybal High School. “But right now, everyone’s just worried about making it home safe.”
Students report feeling isolated and uncertain about the future. Some are considering leaving Los Angeles altogether, while others are struggling to stay focused on schoolwork and sports. Teachers and counselors are seeing increased signs of stress, including trouble sleeping, loss of motivation, and withdrawal from activities.
For many students, football and other sports are more than just games—they are lifelines, offering structure, friendship, and a sense of belonging. The loss of these opportunities is especially hard for those already facing economic and social challenges.
Community Solutions: Support, Advocacy, and Legal Aid
In response to the crisis, LAUSD has expanded its support services. The district’s Office of Student Support and Services is working with legal aid partners to provide information and representation for affected families. Coaches and school staff are checking in with students daily, offering reassurance and practical help.
Community organizations are also stepping up. Groups like Students Deserve and local immigrant rights organizations are fundraising to cover legal fees, organizing protests, and providing safe spaces for students and families. They are also distributing “Know Your Rights” materials and connecting families with trusted legal resources.
For official information and resources, families can visit the LAUSD official website, which offers updates and links to support services.
Policy Implications: Civil Rights and the Role of Schools
The detention of U.S. citizens and minors during ICE raids has raised serious civil rights concerns. Legal experts warn that these actions may violate constitutional protections and have called for investigations and policy changes. Ongoing litigation is expected as families and advocacy groups challenge the legality of the raids.
Schools are caught in the middle, trying to protect students while complying with federal law. LAUSD has reaffirmed its commitment to being a safe haven, but the limits of that protection are clear when students are most at risk during their commutes.
City officials and some state politicians are calling for an end to the raids and greater protection for immigrant communities. The political debate is intense, with federal, state, and local authorities often at odds over immigration enforcement.
Historical Context: A City Shaped by Immigration and Resistance
Los Angeles has a long history of tension over immigration enforcement. Previous waves of raids and deportations have left deep scars in many communities. However, educators and historians note that the current response is different. Instead of retreating in fear, many residents are speaking out, organizing protests, and demanding change.
Large-scale demonstrations and public statements from local leaders signal a shift toward resilience and advocacy. As one community organizer put it, “We’re not just surviving—we’re fighting for our right to stay and thrive in this city.”
Looking Ahead: Uncertainty and Hope for Change
As the 2025–26 school year approaches, there is no clear indication of when the ICE raids will subside. Coaches, families, and students remain in a state of uncertainty, making it difficult to plan for the future. School officials and community leaders are preparing for ongoing disruptions, with contingency plans to support affected students and families.
Continued activism and political pressure may influence future federal enforcement actions, but for now, the situation remains highly volatile. Many hope that increased attention and advocacy will lead to policy changes that protect students and families from further harm.
Action Steps for Families and Students
For those affected by the ICE raids, several steps can help increase safety and access to support:
- Stay informed: Follow updates from LAUSD and trusted community organizations.
- Know your rights: Carry “Know Your Rights” cards and understand what to do if approached by ICE agents. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security provides official information on immigration laws and policies.
- Seek legal help: Contact the LAUSD Office of Student Support and Services or local legal aid organizations for assistance.
- Communicate with school staff: Let coaches, teachers, and counselors know about any concerns or absences so they can provide support.
- Connect with community groups: Groups like Students Deserve offer resources, safe spaces, and advocacy for students and families.
Conclusion: A Community Under Pressure, But Not Defeated
The ongoing ICE raids in Los Angeles have created a climate of fear and disruption for high school football teams, students, and families. The effects are immediate and severe, with lost opportunities, increased anxiety, and a sense of uncertainty about the future. Yet, the response from schools, community organizations, and local leaders shows a commitment to support, resilience, and advocacy.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the current crisis is testing the strength of Los Angeles’s immigrant communities and the institutions that serve them. While the challenges are great, the determination to protect and uplift students remains strong. The coming months will be critical as families, educators, and advocates work together to ensure that every student—regardless of immigration status—has the chance to learn, play, and thrive in safety.
For ongoing updates and resources, families are encouraged to visit the LAUSD official website and connect with local support organizations. The road ahead is uncertain, but the resolve of the Los Angeles community offers hope for a safer, more inclusive future.
Learn Today
ICE raids → Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations targeting undocumented immigrants and their families.
LAUSD → Los Angeles Unified School District, managing public schools and supporting affected students.
Enrollment → The number of students registered in a school or program, reflecting community stability.
Safe haven → A place, such as a school, where students are protected regardless of immigration status.
Deportation → The formal removal of a foreign national from a country for violating immigration laws.
This Article in a Nutshell
Ongoing ICE raids in Los Angeles disrupt high school football teams, causing enrollment drops, fear, and stress among families. Coaches and officials race to support youth, but uncertain futures grimly shadow the new school year in affected communities facing fear and loss amid enforcement actions.
— By VisaVerge.com
