A majority of the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District board was against including a reference to federal immigration agents in an expression of local support for law enforcement.
Trustee Leandra Blades pitched the resolution affirming the district’s support through the federal level of law enforcement, but the board majority struck out references to anything federal, instead approving an amended version emphasizing that the district “encourages respectful dialog and transparency with students, parents, employees, community members, and law enforcement who work in partnership with PYLUSD.”
“The resolution is not just discussing ICE, it’s talking about federal, state and local law enforcement because all of them come onto our campuses,” argued Blades, a retired Downey Police Department corporal, saying if there was a kidnapping or a bank robber was chased onto a campus, “the FBI comes out.”
She was met with groans from the audience.
“I just think it’s kind of ironic that you’re bringing up scenarios that could happen, may happen, but yet downplaying scenarios that have happened and could happen in Placentia,” Trustee Marilyn Anderson said. “You’re downplaying what these students have said, that you’re downplaying their fear. You’re downplaying their parents’ fear. But it is a real reality to many of the families in our community. We have seen students not coming to school. We have seen parent participation drop in certain (parts) of our communities. These things are real, and you can’t just pretend that it doesn’t happen because ICE hasn’t been on a campus.”
At least one speaker supported the resolution, saying, “Parents deserve to know our district will not pick and choose which laws or officers it respects. This resolution reassures families that no one will obstruct lawful operations on campus.”
Blades had also asked if the board could include a section to allow law enforcement to enter a campus without a warrant under emergency or exigent circumstances.
The school board also discussed Tuesday night, Feb. 10, a revision to a policy dictating response to immigration enforcement. There have been recent changes to state law and new guidance from state education officials and the state’s Attorney General’s Office that required updating of the local policy, school district officials said.
“The revised policy strengthens protections related to the confidentiality of student and family information, access to school campuses, and staff response to immigration enforcement requests,” a staff report to the school board said. “These updates reflect current legal requirements and promote consistent, lawful practices that protect family rights, prevent unlawful discrimination, and uphold students’ access to education.”
More than 50 people, including students, parents and district staff, voiced concerns during public comment about the proposed law enforcement support resolution and also the policy update regarding district responses to immigration enforcement.
“As students, we depend on our schools and teachers to stand up for us and protect our safety,” one Yorba Linda High student said. “That is the basic expectation when we walk onto campus each morning. I want to ask the board directly, if ICE on campus results in a student being wrongfully detained or injured, who accepts responsibility for that outcome? Please stand up for your students.”
The update to the board policy, which will require a second vote before it is enacted, is intended to reaffirm the district’s commitment to safe and welcoming campuses, shifting the focus from students’ immigration status to the district’s response to enforcement.
It would limit immigration enforcement access by prohibiting officers from entering private school areas, such as classrooms or offices, without a valid warrant, subpoena, or court order. It would also strengthen protections for students and families, ensuring federal agents cannot access student records without proper legal authorization, and require school staff to receive training on following legal procedures and denying unauthorized requests.