Friday, January 30, 2026

Pasadena Unified Superintendent Says Schools Will Remain Open During Today’s National Shutdown Protests, Addresses Immigration Concerns

Pasadena Unified Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Blanco address members of the school district community during an in-person town hall on Monday, Nov. 11, 2025. [Eddie Rivera/Pasadena Now]

Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco reaffirms district policies protecting student information and barring immigration agents from campuses without court orders

Pasadena Unified School District Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco released a statement Thursday addressing concerns about immigration enforcement and its impact on students and families, telling the school community that “your well-being matters deeply to us.”

The statement, sent by email to the PUSD community on Jan. 29, comes as the district prepares for a planned “National Shutdown” on Friday and a potential student walkout scheduled for Feb. 6. Blanco said all district schools will remain open on both days.

“Recent local and national news regarding immigration operations has understandably brought worry, fear, and uncertainty to some of our students, families, and employees,” Blanco wrote. “Please know that we see you, we hear you, and your well-being matters deeply to us.”

In the statement, Blanco outlined several district policies aligned with Board Policy and state guidance: PUSD does not collect or share information about the immigration status of students or their families, and immigration enforcement agents are not permitted on school campuses without a lawfully executed court order.

“Our schools are non-public spaces, and we continue to work closely with legal counsel to ensure our protocols are clear, lawful, and consistently followed,” Blanco wrote.

The superintendent said the district has implemented employee training and clear campus procedures, and provided flexible learning options, transportation and food access supports, and trusted outreach by school and district employees for students and families who may be feeling vulnerable.

Blanco said PUSD is working with the Cities of Pasadena and Sierra Madre, Los Angeles County, legal experts, and community partners to ensure campuses remain safe, welcoming, and inclusive spaces for all. The district has created a webpage with multilingual resources and trusted, up-to-date information for families navigating immigration-related concerns at pusd.us/immigrationresources.

“PUSD is proud to serve a richly diverse community, and that diversity is a strength we will always honor and protect,” Blanco wrote.