Supporting Our Community as a Safe Haven District

All children in the United States, regardless of immigration or citizenship status, have a right to a free and appropriate public education free from discrimination, harassment and intimidation. Lynwood Unified School District is proud to be a Safe Haven District, committed to protecting our community and fostering a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where every student can thrive.

LUSD Board of Education

The Lynwood Unified School Board of Education is committed to the success of all students irrespective of their immigration status, ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, ability, sex and gender identity, socio-economic status or beliefs, ensuring that our learning environments are welcoming places for all.

Please refer to our Response To Immigration Enforcement Board Policy, Safe Haven Resolution and Superintendent Crosthwaite's message (English | Spanish).

District Response

If U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) appears at a Lynwood Unified school:

Staff, teachers, students and parents should immediately refer ICE agents to the school administrator, who will notify the District Office.
Employees will not collect or share any information, including immigration status, about students, families or staff.
ICE agents will not be allowed on school grounds without prior written approval from the Superintendent or a lawfully executed court order signed by a judge (judicial warrant - see example here).

Proactive Measures for Families

Take these steps now to ensure your family is prepared:

Update School Emergency Contacts: Ensure multiple trusted adults are listed to pick up your child.
Complete a Family Preparedness Plan (English | Spanish). Keep contact sheets and key documents accessible. Click here for a condensed version of the plan.
Save important numbers, including your child’s school office and key support organizations.
Know Your Rights: All people, regardless of immigration status, have rights under the U.S. Constitution.
- From the California Department of Justice: Know Your Immigration Rights and Protection Under the Law (English | Spanish)
- From the California Department of Justice: Know Your Educational Rights (English | Spanish)
- From the Immigration Legal Resource Center: What Immigrants Should Know (English | Spanish)
- From the State of California: Immigration and California Families
- From Clark Hill – What to do if ICE visits you at Work, Home, or in Public (7 languages)

If a Family Member is Detained

Students will be released only to individuals listed as emergency contacts. The District will collaborate with families or extended family members to ensure students are cared for appropriately and provide immediate support services to impacted students.

Contact these trusted organizations for legal advice and support:

Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles | (800) 399-4529
National Immigration Law Center | (213) 639-3900
Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) | (562) 419-5275
Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA) | (213) 353 1333
Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. | (301) 565-4800
Central American Resource Center of Los Angeles | (213) 385-7800
Law Help CA
Immigration Advocates Network

The ICE website provides information on individuals who have been placed in removal proceedings as well as an online detainee locator system.

Student Resources

Our Student Services Department and Community Schools staff provide access to trusted adults, local community resources and services such as counseling, community engagement, empowerment workshops, case management and peer-to-peer support.
Financial Assistance for College: It is safe for your parents to help you fill out the form, even if they are undocumented. Your parent’s citizenship status does not affect your ability to fill out the FAFSA and apply for financial aid.
CA Dream Act Application: Your information is never shared with the federal government or used for immigration enforcement in the application.
National Association for Student Administration: Guide to answering common questions for undocumented students.

Key District Contacts

Lynwood Unified Campus Safety | (310) 886-1440
Schools and Principals: ECE | Elementary | Middle | High | LCAS
Student Services Department | (310) 886-1600

Know Your Rights

All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. The Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) created the Red Card to help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations, such as when ICE agents go to a home.

When interrogated by federal immigration officials, you have the right to stay silent. Hand the Red Card to the officer and remember that you do not have to answer any questions.