House Democrats demand briefing after immigration agents try to enter L.A. elementary schools

Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Long Beach) and fellow House Democrats are calling for explanations from Department of Homeland Security officials for their recent attempts to interact with students at two Los Angeles elementary schools. Garcia and 17 other Democrats penned a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, asking for a briefing on the incident. The lawmakers expressed concerns about the agency’s actions and urged them to refrain from immigration enforcement involving non-threatening children. Federal agents had visited Russell Elementary and Lillian Street Elementary without prior notice or warrants, seeking to speak with students, but were denied access by school principals. The agents claimed to be conducting wellness checks with permission from families, but school officials disputed this. The lawmakers emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and rights of all students, regardless of their immigration status. The incident has raised alarm among educators nationwide about safeguarding immigrant students, with Garcia highlighting the need for communities to be ready to respond to similar actions in the future.