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Residents, educators urge district action on ICE activity as attendance falls
Summary
Public commenters and educators warned that recent ICE activity is reducing attendance and called for town halls, outreach and clearer protections; Superintendent Dr. Zuniga described a July hotline, one‑entry registration, and short-term independent-study options to support families.
Community members and educators told the El Monte Union High School District Board on Aug. 6 that recent immigration enforcement activity has made students and families fearful of attending in-person classes and called for stronger outreach and protections.
"I'm here today to talk about what we're doing to protect continue protecting our students in the upcoming school year, particularly when it comes to ICE raids, students on campus, students, like, coming to and from school," said Jessica Lam, a substitute teacher in the district's adult-education program, during public comment. Multiple speakers described declining attendance and asked the board to convene town halls and review attendance data.
Superintendent Dr. Zuniga responded that the district had already launched measures aimed at connecting families with services and reducing barriers to attendance. "We actually, created a plan before students arrive, and that plan has already, arrived at the homes of our families," he said, and described a temporary hotline launched in July to connect families to immigration, food and housing resources. He said district schools would restrict access points during registration and that county immigration representatives will be present on registration days to provide information to parents.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Rivas said transportation options are also being explored, including Metro Gold Passes and pilot vanpool (Metro Micro) services to provide safer routes to school. Dr. Rivas and school staff said case managers and community liaisons will proactively call newcomer families and offer short-term independent study for students who need transition time back to campus.
Speakers urged the board to hold additional community forums and to publish a one-page resource summary for families listing the hotline, safety plan and options available to students. The board asked staff to return with options for town halls and suggested early attendance tracking in the opening weeks of school to identify students who may need supports.
