[Hyeona]New Fears for Immigrant Families as Summer Begins

As many schools ended in early June, students across Los Angeles have begun their summer break. It’s that time of the year when many kids are breaking away from academic stress, sleeping in, and enjoying their summer at the beach. However, thousands of students from immigrant families began this summer not with excitement, but with fear.

Since the beginning of June, masked ICE agents have appeared in several Los Angeles neighborhoods, spreading fear throughout immigrant communities. Areas like Bell, Marywood, and Koreatown have been especially impacted, and several parents have already been detained. For students, especially those from mixed-status households, these events have disturbed their sense of safety. Educators are now raising concerns that the trauma these students experienced may continue throughout the summer.

According to a recent article from The Guardian, Los Angeles Unified District teachers have begun noticing significant changes in student behavior toward the end of the school year. Some students have stopped coming to classes entirely. Others are feeling anxious and aren’t able to focus on lectures. Their biggest fear wasn’t the final or summer plan; it was the possibility of returning home to find their parents missing. Now that school is out, many educators believe these students have lost the critical support of school. During the school year, students were provided with free meals and had relationships with trusted adults. As schools have closed, many may feel isolated and unprotected during the summer. One social worker reported that students’ anxiety levels have increased. Some are experiencing nightmares and are even afraid to step out of their houses.

In response, the LAUSD has launched several efforts to support students during the summer months. The district opened over 100 new summer sites and added extra bus routes to ensure students can attend safely and easily. LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho has repeatedly emphasized that school campuses remain safe spaces. He has also made it clear that the district will not cooperate with immigration enforcement, reaffirming that every student has the right to feel protected.

Even with these efforts, fear continues to affect families’ decisions. Some parents were too afraid to attend their children’s graduation ceremonies and instead chose to watch them online. Childcare providers across the city are taking precautions as well. Reports from the Los Angeles Times describe how centers have started locking gates, canceling field trips, and preparing emergency contact plans in case of student detainment.

Experts are warning about the long-term impact of this kind of stress. Studies show that children who experience immigration-related trauma are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, and deep trust issues, according to research cited by The Guardian. These emotional scars can affect children, even if they are U.S. citizens themselves.

Mental health advocates say more support is needed. Although LAUSD has hundreds of psychiatric social workers, staff say it’s not enough to meet the growing number of demands. They are calling for more flexible options like hotlines, mobile counseling teams, and digital outreach through the summer. Local organizations, such as CHIRLA and the Immigration Defenders Law Center, are working to fill the gaps. They are offering legal workshops, “Know Your Rights” training sessions, and community pop-ups across the city. However, leaders from these groups say this is a citywide issue that can’t be solved by nonprofits alone. They argue that protecting children this summer requires support from everyone including schools, families, and lawmakers.

Otherwise, for many students in Los Angeles, summer won’t be a break at all. It will just be another season of waiting, worrying, and wondering who will be there when school opens again.

It’s truly heartbreaking, especially since summer break should be a time for kids to relax, hang out with friends, and enjoy being young. I hope every student can stay safe this summer and that when school begins again, they can return with hope and excitement.