Federal investigators were observed removing materials from a residence in Los Angeles on February 25, 2026, as part of an active investigation. KABC
Federal agents carried out search warrants Wednesday at the headquarters of the Los Angeles Unified School District and at the home of Superintendent Alberto Carvalho.
Investigators also searched a third property near Miami, where Carvalho previously led one of Florida’s largest school systems. Officials have not revealed details about the investigation.
The school district released a brief statement saying it “is cooperating with the investigation and we do not have further information at this time.”
Agents Arrive at Multiple Locations
Television footage showed FBI agents wearing marked jackets outside Carvalho’s home in the San Pedro neighbourhood, about 20 kilometres south of downtown Los Angeles.
A spokesperson for the FBI’s Los Angeles office confirmed that agents executed search warrants at the properties. However, officials declined to share further information because the court documents explaining the searches remain sealed.
Agents in Florida also searched a residence in Southwest Ranches, located west of Fort Lauderdale. Authorities confirmed they completed that search and left the scene later that day.
Carvalho’s Career Under the Spotlight
Carvalho, who has led the Los Angeles school district for the past several years, built a reputation as a high-profile education leader. He previously headed Miami-Dade County Public Schools and received national recognition in 2014 as Superintendent of the Year.
Spain honoured him in 2021 for expanding Spanish-language programs in Miami schools. Later that year, he accepted the top education role in Los Angeles.
During his time in California, many praised him for improving academic performance. However, his leadership also drew scrutiny.
Alberto M. Carvalho, head of the Los Angeles Unified School District, talks with reporters outside a school in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles on January 15, 2025. Reuters
In 2024, the Los Angeles district partnered with an education technology company to introduce an artificial intelligence chatbot called “Ed.” Carvalho described the program as “a game changer.” The district paid the company $3 million.
Less than three months later, the district ended the partnership after the company faced financial collapse. Months afterward, the company’s founder faced criminal charges, including securities fraud and identity theft.
Carvalho denied involvement in selecting the company. After the charges surfaced, he said he would form a task force to review the situation. The district has not announced the creation of such a group.
Questions From Past Roles
While in Florida, Carvalho also faced questions in 2020 regarding a nonprofit he founded. The group sought a $1.57 million donation from an online education company that the district considered but later dropped.
An internal review concluded that the donation did not violate rules but created the “ appearance of impropriety ” and should have been returned. Instead, the nonprofit distributed the money to teachers in the form of $100 gift cards.
Public Advocacy and Leadership
Carvalho has often taken strong public positions. He criticized immigration enforcement actions in Los Angeles and urged authorities not to operate near schools.
“I would be the biggest hypocrite in the world, regardless of my position today, if today I did not fight for those who find themselves in the same predicament I faced over 40 years ago when I arrived in this country at the age of 17 as an undocumented immigrant,” Carvalho said at a news conference last year.
He also publicly disagreed with Florida’s leadership over pandemic mask policies before leaving for California.
Ongoing Developments
Officials have not announced charges related to Wednesday’s searches. Authorities have not explained whether the investigation connects to Carvalho’s work in Los Angeles or Florida.
The Los Angeles mayor’s office stated it has no information about the searches, noting that the school district operates independently from city government.
As the investigation unfolds, the district continues daily operations while awaiting further details from federal authorities.
