Inglewood, Compton School Districts Reinforce Student Privacy Protections After DHS School Visits

Inglewood and Compton school officials have reaffirmed their commitment to protecting student privacy following controversial attempts by Department of Homeland Security agents to conduct unannounced “welfare checks” at two Los Angeles elementary schools last week.

The incidents, which prompted California Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff to demand answers from the Trump administration by May 2, have raised concerns among parents throughout the region, including those in Inglewood and Compton where many families have similar immigration concerns.

“Our school campuses remain safe zones for all students regardless of immigration status,” Inglewood Unified School District Superintendent Dr. James Morris stated in a message sent to parents on Monday. “We do not allow any immigration enforcement activity on campus without proper judicial warrants and strict adherence to our established protocols to protect student privacy.”

The Los Angeles incidents occurred when DHS officials attempted to speak with students at two elementary schools without warrants or prior notification to school administrators. LAUSD officials blocked the agents from accessing the children, adhering to district policies requiring judicial warrants for such interactions.

Compton Unified School District reaffirmed a similar stance, with Board President Micah Ali emphasizing that their policies align with those that protected students in LA. “Our policies are clear—no enforcement agent may enter our campuses or access student information without proper judicial warrants and administrative review,” Ali said. “The safety and well-being of our students come first.”

For Inglewood and Compton families concerned about their rights, the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) will host an informational session on Tuesday, April 22, at 6:30 p.m. at Rogers Park Community Center in Inglewood. The session will provide guidance on student privacy rights and family preparedness.

“Every child has the right to education regardless of immigration status,” said Maria Elena Durazo, Executive Director of the Inglewood Immigrant Rights Coalition. “These incidents create fear that keeps children from attending school and parents from participating in their education.”

Both Inglewood and Compton school districts have designated staff members trained to verify any immigration enforcement request and ensure proper procedures are followed. Parents with concerns are encouraged to contact their school’s main office for more information about these protocols.

In their letter to Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf, Senators Padilla and Schiff wrote that the DHS actions “terrorized hundreds of thousands of students across Los Angeles and undermine public trust,” noting that such activities could violate the sensitive locations policy that generally restricts immigration enforcement at schools.

DHS officials claimed the agents were conducting “welfare checks” on the students, but provided no further explanation for why these checks were necessary or why they were conducted without prior coordination with school officials.

Dr. Erika Torres, County Administrator for Inglewood Unified School District, has scheduled a community forum for Thursday, April 24, at 5:30 p.m. at Inglewood High School to address parent concerns and review district policies regarding campus visitors and student privacy.

“We want to reassure our community that we remain vigilant in protecting all students’ rights to education in a safe environment,” Torres said. “No student or family should fear coming to school.”

Both Inglewood and Compton school districts have resources available for families seeking more information about their rights, including:

– Know Your Rights cards available at all school front offices
– Family preparedness information packets
– Referrals to free or low-cost legal services
– Confidential counseling services for students experiencing anxiety

This story draws on reporting by Andrea Castillo of the Los Angeles Times, published April 18, 2025.