ABC Unified and Hawaiian Gardens discuss protocols, transportation and outreach as families face ICE activity

ABC Unified School District officials told the Hawaiian Gardens City Council on Oct. 8, 2025, that the district follows federal and state law and has implemented communication, transportation and after‑school measures to protect students and families during immigration enforcement activity in the area.

Scott Smith, communications officer for ABC Unified, summarized district policy and law, noting that "Board policy and administrative regulation 51 45.13 states that the board is committed to student success in ensuring every school site is a safe and welcoming place regardless of citizenship or immigration status." He cited Plyler v. Doe and state protections and said the district limits cooperation with immigration enforcement absent a judicial warrant or court order. Smith also referenced AB 699, AB 49 and SB 98 as recently enacted state measures affecting school protocols.

Dr. Myra Lozano, the district's director of school services, described operational steps the district has taken: a dedicated webpage with immigrant family resources, a "Know Your Rights" workshop on Oct. 1, proactive transportation adjustments (additional buses and routes), expansion of an after‑school program (ABC Excels) that can keep students at school until 6 p.m. in some sites, and mental‑health supports. Lozano said these measures help families who fear leaving work or walking students home during enforcement actions.

Council members asked how the district communicates with families when enforcement activity occurs. Officials said they confirm reports of enforcement activity, then use principals and ParentSquare to push high‑level messages in English and Spanish; ParentSquare messages can be sent as in‑app notifications, emails or text messages and can be overridden for emergent notices. School staff also said they work to keep contact information current and that parent liaisons help families who need assistance using communication tools.

Discussion also covered student attendance: district staff said attendance has been monitored closely since the start of the school year and that, where needed, the district offered additional buses or extended after‑school placement to keep students in school. Lozano said the district would provide attendance data to the council on request.

City and district staff discussed community supports beyond schools: the city described outreach to local businesses about the LA County Small Business Resiliency Fund (a $5,000 grant program) and the need to compile a one‑page resource list (in Spanish and English) of legal aid and social services. Staff confirmed the city does not currently hold formal contracts to fund legal aid but has compiled vetted resource lists and can pursue partnerships or referrals.

Council members and staff suggested additional coordination steps, including testing emergency communications platforms, planning safe‑passage or crossing guard support for after‑school periods, and discussing transportation contingencies with the district. Lozano said the district is willing to meet with the city to create specific contingency plans, adding, "Our mission is to ensure every student and family feel safe and supported and welcomed at school."

The exchange concluded with mutual commitments to maintain direct lines of communication, expand outreach in Spanish, and prepare logistical support for students if enforcement activity occurs near schools or workplaces. No formal policy changes were adopted at the meeting; the discussion produced requests for follow‑up items and a potential one‑pager of community resources.