Residents of Huntington Park, a Southeast L.A. neighborhood, are currently facing the unsettling reality of increased federal immigration operations. Since early June, federal immigration agents have been visibly pursuing, questioning, and detaining individuals at community gathering spots including stores and churches.
The timing of these operations coincided with milestone graduation celebrations, such as the one held for the 230 seniors of Maywood Academy High School. On the same day that U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security was present to oversee immigration enforcement in the area, around 1,200 individuals gathered at a nearby auditorium for the graduation ceremony.
However, for many families, the looming possibility of ICE interventions added a layer of anxiety to what should be a joyous occasion. Lorraine Guzman, a graduating senior, expressed her fear for her family’s safety amid the crackdowns, highlighting how immigration status has cast a shadow over community events.
Other families in Los Angeles have also weighed the risks associated with attending graduations. Some schools opted to live stream the ceremonies to accommodate families uncomfortable attending due to potential immigration enforcement actions.
Despite these challenges, a large number of families chose to attend the ceremonies in person, celebrating their children’s achievements with love and pride. Wilson High School graduate Hanna Corona shared her feelings of anger and frustration regarding the current climate but emphasized the importance of celebrating their accomplishments.
Jose Eduardo Reyna’s family faced similar dilemmas surrounding his graduation at Wilson High School in El Sereno. His mother, Isabel, revealed that immigration officials had visited their home, creating panic about whether they could safely attend the event. To gather the information needed to make their decision, Isabel consulted a crowdsourced website tracking ICE sightings. Thankfully, Reyna’s family was able to attend the graduation, although the emotional atmosphere remained tense.
The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) does not compile data on students’ immigration statuses, but it is estimated that around 10% of L.A. County residents are undocumented. Leading up to the graduation ceremonies, district leaders announced that school police would be present to create a perimeter around events, and they would intervene should unauthorized immigration officials arrive.
Superintendent Alberto Carvalho urged school leaders to expedite the entrance process for attendees to minimize exposure to potential immigration enforcement outside the venues. As families arrived at the Maywood Academy graduation, they encountered LAPD and L.A. Sheriff’s deputies positioned near the entrance, a sight that made many attendees uncomfortable.
Mau Trejo, an organizer with the activist group Students Deserve, attended the Maywood graduation, expressing pride in witnessing student activists receive their diplomas while also feeling unsettled by the law enforcement presence. The atmosphere was further weighted with the news of a classmate’s detention during a routine immigration check. Johanna, a 10th-grade asylum seeker and active member of her school’s community, was taken into custody along with her family during an immigration check-in.
In response to the ongoing struggles faced by students and their families, LAUSD acknowledged that they were monitoring the situation and providing legal support to those impacted by ICE actions. Last Monday, Superintendent Carvalho noted that at least six students within the district had families affected by the crackdowns.
At the Maywood graduation ceremony, Christopher Sanabria Cortes, adorned with various graduation honors, expressed pride amid the turmoil. However, learning about the detention of a classmate left him solemn. He recognized the deep impact these events have on their community, stating that the situation is profoundly affecting everyone.
Yitzel Jimenez, a history teacher at Maywood Academy, also grappled with mixed emotions as she celebrated the accomplishments of her students while mourning the loss of another to ICE custody. For Jimenez, seeing her first class of seniors walk across the stage was beautiful, but it was capped with the weight of Johanna’s detention, a reflection of the harsh realities facing many in their community.
These students have navigated their educational journey amidst numerous challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and recent natural disasters. Principal Gregorio Verbera acknowledged this context, reminding students of the broader historical, political, and social realities they will face after graduation. He praised them for their resilience and commitment to social justice, particularly referencing their organized walkouts against President Donald Trump’s immigration policies earlier in the year.
Hanna Corona, the senior class president, embraced her role as the emcee for the graduation ceremony. She spoke beautifully in both English and Spanish, honoring her mother’s influence in her life. Her message resonated with her peers as she urged them to take pride in their heritage and remember the sacrifices made by their families.
At Maywood, salutatorian Mayah Rhianna Flores echoed this sentiment, reflecting on their collective experiences of activism, stating that standing up for their beliefs was one of her proudest moments. She further emphasized their strong cultural ties and commitment to justice, proclaiming their legacy as a class that made a difference.
Many graduates adorned their caps with messages dedicated to their parents, demonstrating the strong connections they maintain with their families. Graduating seniors at both Maywood and Wilson High Schools found ways to honor their diverse backgrounds, sporting stoles that represented their heritage.
These ceremonies, despite the backdrop of federal actions and community fear, emerged as a powerful testament to the strength and unity of the students and families in these neighborhoods. As the celebrations unfolded, the resilience of the community shone brightly through the uncertainties and dangers posed by ICE, leaving a lasting impression on all in attendance.
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