Teen detained by federal agents outside Arleta school; LAUSD calls for 'no enforcement' zones

ARLETA, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The Los Angeles Unified School District is calling for limits on immigration enforcement operations near campuses after a teenage boy was detained by federal agents outside Arleta High School ahead of the new school year.

The teenager was pulled from a car, handcuffed and briefly detained Monday in what officials described as a case of mistaken identity. Agents drew their guns during the incident.

Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho spoke out against the incident as district officials outlined new plans to keep students safe from immigration raids.

"He was not an adult. He's a 15-year-old boy with significant disabilities. This cannot happen," Carvahlo said. "This is the exact type of incident that traumatizes our community and it cannot repeat itself."

Agents eventually released him, saying it was a mix-up and they were actually looking for an adult.

City leaders are reaffirming their commitment to keep children in local schools safe from immigration raids.

The LAUSD is asking federal agents to honor no-enforcement zones, a few block radius around each school. One hour prior to the start of school and one hour after school ends, areas of protection will be established outside of schools for the safety and benefit of students, Carvalho said.

Carvalho also confirmed the creation of a safe passage for students, which will see the addition of more bus routes.

"We have rerouted a number of our bus routes, we have added additional bus routes to ensure that we have transportation for all. We are appealing to our community. Parents, if you are afraid of being on the street with your child, we more than likely can accommodate a specific bus route for your child," said Carvalho.

On Thursday, the first day of school for the district, LAUSD will be deploying over 1,000 central office and district office staff into critical areas based on incident information, targeting schools in areas that have seen a higher percentage in frequency of immigration raids.

After the school day is over, the school district will activate emergency crisis teams that will visit or walk with families to their homes and then provide the needed assistance, information and resources they may require.