Alberto M. Carvalho, superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, speaks to news media members while welcoming students displaced due to the Palisades Fire on their first day at a new school in the Brentwood neighborhood in Los Angeles, California, U.S. January 15, 2025. REUTERS/David Ryder
(Los Angeles, California) – The FBI executed search warrants Wednesday at the headquarters of the Los Angeles Unified School District and at the home of its superintendent, Alberto Carvalho, federal authorities confirmed.
Officials said the warrants were part of an ongoing investigation, but the supporting affidavits have been sealed by the court, and authorities declined to specify what the investigation is targeting.
The district said in a statement that it was aware of the searches and is cooperating with federal authorities. Carvalho did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Miami Property Also Searched
The FBI’s Miami field office confirmed that agents also searched a residence in Broward County, Florida, in connection with the investigation. Carvalho previously served as superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools before taking the Los Angeles post in 2022.
Property records show Carvalho owns multiple properties in Broward County, though officials did not release a specific address.
Possible Contract Scrutiny
While investigators have not disclosed details, federal prosecutors have previously examined contracts awarded by the district, including a $6 million agreement with AllHere, a tech startup hired to develop an artificial intelligence chatbot for students and parents.
AllHere filed for bankruptcy in 2024, and its chief executive was later charged in a federal fraud case. It remains unclear whether Wednesday’s searches are connected to that matter.
Los Angeles Unified is the nation’s second-largest school district, serving approximately 400,000 students. Carvalho earns an annual salary of roughly $440,000 and holds one of the most prominent leadership roles in public education.
Political and Labor Tensions
The raid also comes amid broader tensions between federal authorities and California officials, particularly over immigration enforcement and diversity initiatives.
Carvalho has previously drawn national attention for opposing federal immigration enforcement efforts at school campuses. Last year, he publicly criticized Homeland Security agents who attempted to access elementary schools in Los Angeles.
At the same time, the district is facing contract negotiations with unionized teachers, who have raised concerns about spending on outside vendors and technology contracts.
Authorities have not announced charges, and the scope of the investigation remains unclear. The situation is ongoing.
