Fear of ICE raids shadows the first day of school

children, while they’re here inside, are safe,” said Paola, who asked that she not be fully identified because of safety concerns.

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Fears were heightened Monday when federal agents reportedly drew their guns on and handcuffed a 15-year-old boy with disabilities outside Arleta High School in a case of mistaken identity. Federal officials said they were looking to apprehend a suspected MS-13 gang member and instead nabbed the person’s cousin. Federal authorities said they apprehended the actual suspect later in the day.

They've also said no place is off limits— including schools — as they press to reach President Trump's goal of 1 million deportations per year.

Tensions intensify, as do patrols

At Maya Angelou Community High School in South Park, as students filed in lugging full backpacks, volunteers circled the perimeter of campus in their own cars, affixed with red and black stickers that read: “Protecting Communities From Ice and Police Terror.”

History teacher Ron Gochez wore a red shirt with the words “All Power to the Teachers,” and surveilled the sidewalk and streets.

He would soon need to teach —but his attention before and after school would be on making sure students were secure, Gochez said.

“People are already patrolling in their cars. Teachers are gonna be showing up and patrolling on foot around the school,” Gochez said. “For us at the high school, it means being vigilant. ... If we were to see anything, we'd contact not just our school, but other schools in our immediate neighborhood.”

Other educators at Maya Angelou also have signed on.

“Tll do it for the students,” said history teacher Ricardo Lopez. “We gotta find a way to resist, to actually make change.”

Fifteen other faculty members posted themselves in front of the school holding signs signaling support and encouragement: “Everyone Is Welcome Here” and “This Is a Safe Space for Immigrants.”

Students entered via a red carpet.

The atmosphere was working for Bonnie and Haley, two juniors.