By Sofia Abdelrahim and Emily Carbajal

In recent months, Los Angeles has seen an increase in ICE raids, raising concerns among Hispanic residents and students at Granada Hills Charter (GHC). According to the LA Times, 2,031 people were arrested in a seven-county area, with 68 percent having no criminal conviction this summer.
Many say the raids unfairly profile Hispanics.
“ICE profiles Hispanic people like my cousin,” an anonymous student said about her cousin’s experience. “Because she has tattoos, and with her father being arrested, it kind of brings attention to her because they look deeper into her record.”
This concern has not only spread through Hispanic communities but also classrooms, where many students worry about the safety of their families and the possibility of loved ones being detained.
“It’s been just dangerous to even just step outside without having anyone else with you,” an anonymous student said.
Some community members also report that the raids have contributed to rising acts of xenophobia and racism throughout Los Angeles, with individuals changing daily routines, avoiding work, and steering clear of public spaces out of concern that they or their loved ones could be detained.
The reported increase in deportations and raids are due to arrest targets set by ICE.
“The White House adviser Stephen Miller and the Department of Homeland Security secretary, Kristi Noem, demanded that immigration agents seek to arrest 3,000 people per day,” Anna Betts from The Guardian said.
An 18 year old Reseda High School student, Benjamin Marcelo Guerrero-Cruz was detained by ICE, as reported by NBC News.
Lizette Becerra, Guerrero-Cruz’s former teacher, visited him at Adelanto Detention Center where she said he appeared anxious and did not want to be there.
Guerrero-Cruz had been walking his dog when officers identified as ICE approached and detained him. Friends and family noted that Guerrero-Cruz had established a life here in Los Angeles, with connections at school and plans for his future.
Students at Granada Hills Charter (GHC) say that immigration enforcement has influenced their daily routines and sense of security. Several students described avoiding certain public spaces, moving family members to other cities, and worrying about relatives.
“I’ve seen them (ICE) around our church. We can’t be there anymore,” an anonymous student said.
He went on to say that he has had family members move as far as Palmdale due to the fear of ICE. He added that his aunt is vulnerable due to health issues. If she were to be detained, he feels it is unlikely she would have anyone to take care of her or provide medication.
Some conversations surrounding ICE and immigration have been happening at school, but not everyone understands how it feels to have your loved ones taken away or for them to be viewed as a criminal due to background or status as a citizen.
Due to the rise in ICE raids and members of our community being detained, the Los Angeles School District (LAUSD) took measures to support its students. According to the LAUSD website, they have expanded transportation options, provided mental health and counseling support, and offered online learning options.
At GHC, Administrative Director Julia Howelman links important resources in her weekly emails regarding immigration such as the current immigration laws in California and resources for immigrant families. GHC emphasizes that student education and safety are priorities and that student information remains private, regardless of the situation.
GHC also offers programs such as iGranada for those who may not feel safe going to school in-person.
For many on campus, immigration enforcement remains not just a national issue, but a local reality shaping how students and families navigate school and community life.