Los Angeles’ top cop issued an important message for city students after droves of youths cut class for wild anti-ICE demonstrations.
Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell urged students to stay in school and avoid dangerous protests, following three weeks of anti-ICE demonstrations in which officers and protesters were hurt.
The chief’s words for the city’s youngsters came after the LAPD on Monday issued a public warning to students and parents that school attendance is mandatory, and there could be legal fallout for cutting class.
“We want to support everybody exercising their First Amendment rights, but we want to make sure everybody remains safe,” said McDonnell during his Wednesday morning appearance on Fox 11’s Good Day LA.
“When you get young people out there, sometimes they’ll get involved in something inadvertently and end up in a place where potentially they could get hurt or get in trouble,” the chief added.
McDonnell’s warning came after a series of raucous anti-ICE protests on three consecutive Fridays in downtown LA where teens were spotted burning flags, vandalizing buildings and throwing objects at cops.
Two federal agents were involved in a violent clash at one such protest last week, and authorities are still hunting the rioters believed responsible. Another teen was caught on video swinging a pole at police.
Now, police are warning kids to stay in class.
“School attendance is mandatory in the City of Los Angeles and there may be legal consequences for parents and students,” the LAPD said in its news release on Monday. “It is unlawful for any minors under 18 to be in public places, streets, or amusement spots during school hours (typically 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.).”
The LAPD also warned that any adult who transports or assists a minor in participating in illegal activity could face charges for contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
The Clovis Police Department is looking for adults accused of organizing a walkout involving more than 200 students in Fresno County.
And U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli has vowed to “criminally prosecute” two teens suspected of attacking ICE agents in last Friday’s protest.
Teens have been encouraged by far-left activists to skip school and take to the streets against ICE, with a group called “Dare To Struggle SoCal” urging California kids to rise up and “rebel against” federal agents.
LA’s public schools superintendent Alberto Carvalho is facing controversy for his anti-ICE comments, as students across the city exit classrooms to protest immigration crackdowns.
One LA teacher was fired for opening a gate to let kids leave class for an anti-ICE demonstration.
An LA Unified spokeswoman on Tuesday said that the city’s school district is “concerned for student safety at off-campus demonstrations.”
Instead of attending dangerous protests, LA’s public schools are encouraging students to stay on in class, “with opportunities on campus for student expression” and “resources and guidance for students to engage in meaningful, age-appropriate discussions,” the spokeswoman said.
McDonnell said Los Angeles kids should feel free to speak out with their opinions, but they should be mindful of being caught up in anything illegal.
Vandalism or worse could occur at protests, the chief warned.
“Don’t do something that’s going to create problems for you down the road,” McDonnell advised youngsters.
