News Summary
The Santa Ana Unified School District is experiencing a significant trend towards virtual learning, largely due to ongoing concerns over ICE raids among immigrant families. Reports indicate that many families are opting for the district’s Virtual Academy as fears grow regarding safety in public spaces. The district is focused on supporting these families, with initiatives like Wi-Fi hotspot loans and an immigrant support plan aimed at alleviating the challenges posed by immigration enforcement. The community is actively seeking resources while addressing the emotional impact of these raids.
Santa Ana – Concerns over ongoing ICE raids have significantly influenced enrollment trends within the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD), prompting many families to opt for virtual learning alternatives. The impact has been particularly felt among immigrant families who fear for their safety in public spaces, with reports indicating that 5 to 10 families have transitioned to the district’s Virtual Academy due to these immigration-related apprehensions.
The district, which serves more than 35,000 students and is the second-largest in Orange County, has seen a surge in interest for its Virtual Academy. Vice President of the SAUSD Board of Education, Katelyn Brazer Aceves, outlined that the concerns stem from situations where family members have already been detained or where families are hesitant to go out due to the presence of ICE agents. The city of Santa Ana has a strong immigrant presence, with approximately 41% of its population identifying as immigrants.
The Virtual Academy, designed as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, offers a full-time online education program for students from third grade through high school. This program includes daily live instruction through Zoom, collaborative learning opportunities, and personalized support for students. Families wishing to enroll in the Virtual Academy must contact their primary school, with options for remote learning lasting anywhere from two weeks to the entire school year, providing families with necessary flexibility amid ongoing immigration fears.
Efforts are being made to lessen barriers in the enrollment process, ensuring that families can make choices that are best suited for their unique circumstances. This support has become even more crucial given the heightened activity of ICE agents near schools, which has raised alarm among parents. Reports have confirmed that ICE agents have been spotted around Century High School and Kennedy Elementary School, as well as conducting multiple raids at various local businesses.
Community sentiment reflects a shared concern regarding the validity of parental fears connected to ICE operations, with the increasing visibility of agents in the area contributing to a sense of vulnerability among families. Additionally, the pandemic has highlighted existing digital inequalities, with many students lacking reliable access to Wi-Fi, which has complicated remote learning efforts. In response, the SAUSD has implemented a Wi-Fi hotspot loaning program, distributing around 2,500 devices to families to bridge the connectivity gap.
In light of the post-election landscape, SAUSD has intensified its focus on supporting immigrant families, crafting an immigrant support plan to counteract the effects of ICE activity. A recent workshop designed to address community concerns attracted nearly 1,000 participants, signifying a strong desire for resources and assistance among residents. The school board has reassured the community regarding safety on campuses and has stated explicitly that the district does not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
The city of Santa Ana, recognizing the dire needs of families dealing with the repercussions of ICE detentions, has established a $100,000 fund to assist families in crisis. This fund, initiated by Mayor Valerie Amezcua, aims to provide support for necessities like food, rent, and utilities when a primary income earner is apprehended. This proposal has sparked discussions within the community about finding the right balance between financial aid for those impacted and the continuation of cultural events.
During recent public discussions, residents have expressed concerns regarding the emotional and psychological trauma inflicted on families by ICE raids. In response, city council members have agreed to seek information pertaining to the recent actions taken by ICE in Santa Ana and to advocate for the removal of immigration agents from the city altogether. This dialogue reflects an urgent call for strategies that protect the rights and well-being of families facing the challenges posed by immigration enforcement.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Santa Ana Families Shift to Virtual Education Amid ICE Fears
Additional Resources
- LAist: Pandemic Program Offers Santa Ana Families Fearful of ICE a Way to Stay Home
- Los Angeles Times: Santa Ana Creates Emergency Fund for Families Harmed by ICE Raids
- ABC7: Santa Ana Considering Policy Notifying Public of ICE Presence City Limits
- Wikipedia: Santa Ana, California
- Google Search: ICE raids Santa Ana
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
