LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Students from several LAUSD high schools walked out of class in protest against federal immigration raids in their communities.
Around 200 students from Santee, Jefferson, Maya Angelou community, Synergy Quantum and Nava College prep high schools walked out Monday morning.
Students told Eyewitness News they did it to recognize what their parents did when they immigrated to the United States for a better life.
Tyffany Peña said she walked out for her dad.
“He left Mexico, he left his family to go Kentucky, then to here for me. You know, for us to have a better future,” she said.
Yeneli Cortinez from Santee High School added: “It makes me want to tear up but it’s like this is for my mom, for all my family. For all the people that are getting deported unfairly. It’s just very unfair the way they’re doing it. “
The students made their way to Los Angeles City Hall where they held their own rally denouncing ICE.
“I believe that immigrants built this county and we wouldn’t be nothing without it… my parents are immigrants… What they’re doing to immigrants… is just horrible. They’re tearing apart families and I believe we shouldn’t do that,” said Jefferson High School student Jeffrey Acevedo.
In a written statement to Eyewitness News, a spokesperson for LAUSD said, in part:
“Los Angeles Unified supports the rights of our students to advocate for causes important to them. However, we are concerned for student safety at off-campus demonstrations as schools are the safest place for students.”
The statement also said schools are providing students with opportunities on campus for student expression, offering additional District resources and guidance for students to engage in meaningful, age-appropriate discussions in a safe and welcoming environment.
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