Los Angeles, CA – Federal agents from the FBI descended on the home and office of Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho early Wednesday morning, executing search warrants as part of an ongoing investigation, authorities confirmed. The raids, which took place at Carvalho's residence in the San Pedro neighborhood and the district's headquarters downtown, have raised questions about potential misconduct in the nation's second-largest school system, though details of the probe remain sealed and under wraps.
Video footage captured by NBC Los Angeles helicopters showed FBI agents arriving at Carvalho's seaside home in southern Los Angeles County around dawn. Neighbors in the quiet community reported hearing sirens and being instructed to remain indoors as up to 20 agents, some armed and in camouflage, secured the area. The operation extended beyond California, with the FBI also conducting a related search at a residence in Southwest Ranches, a South Florida community, according to the agency's Miami field office.
“We can confirm that the FBI is serving a court-authorized warrant at those locations,” the FBI's Los Angeles field office stated in a brief release. “However, the affidavit in support of the warrant has been sealed by the court and we, therefore, have no further comment.” The Department of Justice echoed this, verifying the searches but offering no insight into their purpose or scope.
John Schafer, a neighbor who lives nearby, described the scene unfolding over his morning coffee. “I was with my wife. We were having our cup of coffee, and we heard the sirens going off, and then all of a sudden somebody said, ‘Stay in your house,’ or whatever,” Schafer recounted. “I saw at least five, six that were parked in front of my house and one house above. I saw that one was in camo with a rifle pointing at the house. And, as he’s pointing to the house, I’m like, woah. I knew it was the superintendent, but they told us to stay in the house so I stayed in my house.”
Agents, some carrying evidence bags, were observed leaving the property mid-morning in vehicles including a Dodge Charger, while others lingered across the street from the residence. The U.S. Attorney’s Office clarified that the actions involved search warrants only, with no arrests made during the operation. Law enforcement sources, speaking to NBC4 Investigates, identified the targets as Carvalho’s San Pedro home—about 23 miles south of downtown Los Angeles—and his office at LAUSD headquarters.
The Los Angeles Unified School District, which serves more than 400,000 students across the city, acknowledged the “law enforcement activity” in a statement. “The District is cooperating with the investigation,” a spokesperson said, declining to elaborate further. Attempts to reach Carvalho for comment via email and phone on Wednesday evening went unanswered, and outreach to school board members yielded no immediate responses.
Carvalho, 58, has led LAUSD since February 2022, when he was hired unanimously by the board to helm the sprawling district amid post-pandemic recovery efforts. Last year, the board reappointed him without dissent, praising his focus on student achievement and equity. Prior to Los Angeles, Carvalho spent 14 years as superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the fourth-largest district in the U.S., where he rose through the ranks from teaching physics, chemistry, and calculus to serving as an assistant principal at Miami Jackson Senior High School.
Born in Portugal and immigrating to the U.S. as a young man, Carvalho has built a reputation as an outspoken advocate for immigrant students. He frequently criticized the Trump administration's immigration policies, highlighting their disruptive effects on families and education in diverse districts like LAUSD, where a significant portion of students come from immigrant backgrounds. Under his leadership, the district has implemented initiatives to support English learners and expand mental health services, though it has also faced scrutiny over budget shortfalls and facility issues.
The timing of the searches comes at a sensitive juncture for LAUSD, which is navigating labor disputes, declining enrollment, and ongoing debates over curriculum and school safety. While the nature of the investigation remains undisclosed, its connection to South Florida—where Carvalho spent much of his career—has fueled speculation among education watchers. The FBI's Miami field office noted that their search in Southwest Ranches was completed by midday, with agents clearing the scene without incident.
Education experts contacted by The Appleton Times expressed surprise at the developments but urged caution against jumping to conclusions. “Superintendents like Carvalho operate in high-stakes environments with massive budgets and political pressures,” said Dr. Elena Ramirez, a former school administrator in California. “Federal scrutiny isn't uncommon, but the lack of details here leaves everyone in the dark about what this might mean for the district's stability.”
LAUSD's history includes past federal investigations into procurement irregularities and financial mismanagement, though none directly implicated top leadership in recent years. In 2019, for instance, the district settled a lawsuit over special education services, but Carvalho was not involved at the time. Current board president Scott Schmerelson, reached later in the day, issued a measured statement: “We are aware of the situation and trust that all parties will handle it appropriately. Our priority remains the education of our students.”
As the day wore on, Carvalho was reportedly spotted at district headquarters, though he did not address the media. Parents and teachers in San Pedro, a working-class enclave with a strong Portuguese-American community, voiced concern on social media. “He's been good for our kids— what's going on?” posted one local parent, echoing sentiments from several others. The incident has already prompted discussions at school sites about transparency and leadership accountability.
Beyond the immediate disruption, the searches could have ripple effects on LAUSD's operations. With a $20 billion annual budget, the district relies on federal funding for programs like Title I and special education, and any perceived instability might invite closer oversight from Washington. Carvalho's contract runs through 2026, but board members have indicated that performance reviews could be accelerated if the probe escalates.
Investigators have not released information on whether items were seized during the raids, and the sealed affidavit means the public may wait weeks or months for clarity. The FBI emphasized that the matter is active, urging anyone with information to come forward through official channels. For now, the focus in Los Angeles remains on maintaining normalcy for students, with classes proceeding as scheduled on Thursday.
In a city where education often intersects with broader social issues—from homelessness to equity—these events underscore the challenges facing urban school leaders. As more details emerge, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how LAUSD navigates this uncharted territory under Carvalho's stewardship.