Numerous eighth-graders, dressed in their best attire, arrived at Andrew Carnegie Middle School in Carson with their families for graduation on Tuesday morning.
However, an atmosphere of anxiety loomed over the event as rumors circulated that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents might be in the vicinity.
Parents and educators anxiously monitored apps that track ICE movements, refreshed social media feeds, and exchanged information about the latest reports concerning ICE activity.
Some students, expected to celebrate with their peers, opted to remain at home, fearing potential detention for themselves or their loved ones.
This unease has been felt across Los Angeles County recently, where increased ICE operations have led to widespread apprehensions in communities with significant immigrant populations.
For many families, a routine outing, such as a drive to school or a visit to the grocery store, now represents a moment filled with uncertainty regarding their future in the U.S.
On the day of the graduation ceremony, unverified messages rapidly circulated online warning about sightings of ICE agents near schools, hotels, and even local businesses, creating panic among attendees.
At Carnegie Middle School, the specter of a possible ICE raid dominated conversations.
To address concerns, the school had communicated to families that all attendees would be admitted onto campus without delay due to ongoing apprehensions tied to ICE activities.
Mekeisha Madden Toby, 48, attended the ceremony to cheer on her 14-year-old daughter, Zoe.
She expressed her mixed feelings, stating, “It’s bittersweet because it’s supposed to be a celebration moment and it kind of got overshadowed by fear.”
Madden Toby reflected on the dread that grips families, noting that friends and relatives could face sudden detention at any moment.
Federal officials have ramped up their activities in L.A. County, executing raids at various locations, including homes, businesses, and entertainment venues.
Earlier this month, ICE apprehended a fourth-grade student from Torrance Elementary, who was subsequently deported to Honduras with his father.
Witnessed events have further alarmed communities; instances of ICE agents detaining individuals in public settings have been depicted in videos circulating on social media.
One observer described a chaotic scene where agents apprehended a street vendor, asserting, “It just looked like he had been kidnapped.”
During a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt disclosed that ICE operations in the Los Angeles area had resulted in 330 arrests since the previous Friday.
The federal agency released images showing military personnel accompanying immigration agents during these raids.
President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of 700 U.S. Marines and 4,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles to provide assistance during federal operations amid protests.
In response, California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have voiced their objections to these increased immigration enforcement efforts, with Bass directly urging President Trump to halt the raids.
She remarked, “This very notion creates such a terrible sense of fear in our city, and it’s just not right to do that to a population who’s trying to survive.”
Journalists from The Times canvassed communities across Southern L.A. County, documenting the palpable anxiety bred by the looming presence of ICE.
Residents in neighborhoods traditionally populated by immigrants expressed their fears and concerns as alerts of possible ICE sighting proliferated.
At a care facility for disabled adults in Torrance, a frightened employee recounted a friend’s report seeing agents nearby, heightening the sense of unease despite a lack of confirmed detentions occurring in the area.
“It’s so scary what they’re doing,” she stated softly.
Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Human Rights of Los Angeles, described the recent federal actions as an unprecedented “enforcement blitz” targeting individuals indiscriminately.
Her organization received over 3,000 calls for help since the weekend prior, a clear indication of the rising distress within the community.
Conversing among day laborers in Signal Hill, a group of men displayed a facade of bravado despite the tense climate.
One worker declared, “I’m not worried,” even as he chose not to disclose his name for fear of ICE repercussions.
While the Andrew Carnegie Middle School graduation proceeded without incident, adjustments were made to the schedule out of caution.
Attendees learned they should arrive by 7:30 a.m., a move aimed at minimizing the risk of confrontations with ICE agents outside the venue.
Zoe Toby, adorned in her graduation attire, reflected on the school’s decision to shift the time, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation, stating, “It’s scary because you never know when it’s going to happen.”
Even during the ceremony, mothers and fathers received notifications via the Ice Block app indicating that immigration enforcement officers were allegedly spotted near the school.
Parents and students were relieved to hear that no detentions occurred during the event.
Zoe noted that many of her classmates consistently worry about their safety and that of their families, highlighting that many students possess red cards from the school detailing their rights concerning interactions with immigration authorities.
Her mother mentioned that discussions about ICE presence circulate daily on platforms like Nextdoor, reflecting the heightened vigilance in their community.
Later on Tuesday, Gardena High School witnessed a similar scene as graduates emerged in caps and gowns, celebrating their achievements amidst the persistent fear of ICE.
Chris Alvarez, present to support his cousin’s graduation, articulated the worries that overshadow festivities, stating, “It’s not fair for these kids to put all this time and effort into school only to have to be concerned about their safety and the safety of their family and their friends.”
Orlando Johnson, principal of Susan Miller Dorsey Senior High School in South Los Angeles, acknowledged the prevailing atmosphere of apprehension, emphasizing the need to prioritize the safety of students and families amid the ongoing threats posed by federal crackdowns.
“We don’t know what information’s real and not real,” he concluded, underscoring the uncertainty that characterizes life for many in the community.
image source from：https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-06-11/ice-raid-fears-los-angeles
