Coachella Valley High School Denies Entry to Border Patrol at Career Fair, District Issues Apology calling it a ‘misunderstanding’
Coachella Valley High School is facing controversy after reportedly denying entry to U.S. Border Patrol representatives at its annual College and Career Fair. The decision sparked criticism from Border Patrol leadership and community members, leading to an official apology from the Coachella Valley Unified School District (CVUSD).
Border Patrol’s Response
Gregory K. Bovino, Chief Patrol Agent for the El Centro Sector, expressed frustration on a social media post, stating that Border Patrol had been invited to the event for three consecutive years before being told to leave this time.
“The school’s principal told our recruiter to leave, even though the school knew we were coming and had even set up a spot for us,” Bovino wrote. “The principal refused to provide an explanation for the dis-invitation. Whatever the reason, it’s unacceptable.”
Bovino questioned whether the decision was influenced by political agendas and emphasized that a taxpayer-funded school should not restrict students from exploring career opportunities with a federal agency. His post quickly gained attention, sparking debate over the school’s decision.
District’s Immigration Policy Update
The controversy comes shortly after CVUSD released an official statement reaffirming its commitment to supporting students and families amid changing immigration policies under the new presidential administration on January 27, 2025. The statement did not specifically reference Border Patrol but emphasized the district’s dedication to maintaining a “safe and welcoming environment, regardless of status.”
CVUSD clarified that it does not track students’ or families’ immigration status and encouraged families to use available legal resources. Some critics speculated that this policy stance may have influenced the decision to remove Border Patrol from the event, though the district did not confirm this.
District Issues Apology
Following public backlash, CVUSD released a formal apology, calling the removal of Border Patrol a “misunderstanding.” The district stated that the principal’s actions were not intentional and promised corrective measures.
“We do not condone this behavior, and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken with the involved staff members to ensure this does not happen again,” the statement read. “We wholeheartedly welcome Border Patrol’s presence at any of our future career fairs across our three high school campuses and will take steps to ensure that your involvement is fully supported moving forward.”
While CVUSD has expressed its commitment to allowing Border Patrol at future events, the situation has ignited debate about the presence of federal law enforcement in school settings, particularly in communities with large immigrant populations. Some parents and community members support the district’s decision to apologize, while others argue that the initial removal reflected broader concerns about immigration enforcement.
As discussions continue, it remains to be seen how CVUSD will navigate similar situations in the future.
we have reached out to the principle of Coachella Valley high school and left a message, but I’ve not heard back from him yet, Stay tuned for more updates.
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