California School Board Member Faces Fury Over Deportation Remarks
A school board member in the San Diego area has ignited a fierce controversy by asserting that deporting migrant children would make local schools "better." Maya Phillips, who immigrated to the United States from St. Petersburg, Russia, made these contentious comments during a Ramona Unified School District meeting on March 4, which was broadcast live online.
Controversial Comments on Immigration and Education
Phillips argued that removing undocumented families from the Ramona area would positively impact educational resources. "The more illegal aliens with children are deported from Ramona, the better the student-to-teacher ratio," she stated, referencing past advocacy by teachers unions for smaller classroom sizes. She framed this as a practical solution, adding, "This would be a way to achieve it, while saving the district money on hiring new teachers."
She further justified her stance by claiming that reducing the student population would enhance "the quality of education for our American and legal immigrant children." Phillips addressed fears among migrant families about Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids, stating that those who enter the country illegally have made a conscious choice. "I want to reassure American families in our district who are here legally that they have no reason to worry about immigration enforcement and no cause for their children to miss school," she said.
Regarding undocumented families, Phillips remarked, "Their worry and concern about immigration enforcement is totally appropriate, warranted, well-placed and justified. It's a choice to be in the country illegally, and parents chose to put their kids in this situation of constant fear of enforcement." She concluded, "There is a cost to breaking the law and that cost is peace of mind. Unlawful presence in the country does carry legal risks."
Community Backlash and Demographic Context
The remarks quickly provoked outrage in the school district, where nearly 51 percent of the population in Phillips' represented area is Hispanic. According to NBC San Diego, the community includes 15 percent immigrants and 65 percent naturalized citizens. The larger county is estimated to be home to around 150,000 undocumented immigrants, with over 250 children arrested by ICE in San Diego and neighboring Imperial counties in 2025.
Local residents expressed deep dismay. Yolanda Morado, a grandmother of a student, told NBC San Diego, "Instead of helping us, she is going to knock us down." Thalia Amaya, a mother, described the comments as "offensive" and "really, really upsetting" in an interview with CBS 8. Another mother, Jenny Valasco, emphasized the importance of prioritizing children's well-being, saying, "I think as educators, the children always come first, right? Like their safety, them feeling included and them feeling like they belong."
Valasco added, "It's just unfortunate to know that in 2026 we're still having these conversations of like people being called illegal or this or that, but they're not seeing them as humans, you know? They're seeing [children] as like numbers or statistics." Some community members have even called for Phillips' resignation on social media platforms.
Official Responses and District Stance
In response to the uproar, the Ramona Unified School District issued a statement acknowledging that Phillips' comments "have raised concerns in the community and questions from the news media." Officials clarified, "These comments were made by Trustee Phillips in the portion of the meeting designated for individual board member's comments. These comments were not made on behalf of the entire board or the district."
The district reaffirmed its commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment, stating, "Our School Board, teachers, staff and District work incredibly hard every day to create an educational environment that is safe, welcoming and non-judgmental for all students." They also noted compliance with all relevant laws, adding, "RUSD follows, and will continue to follow, all local, state and federal laws and seeks legal guidance as needed to remain in compliance."
Board President Daryn Drum personally condemned Phillips' remarks, telling CBS 8, "On a personal note, I vehemently disagree with and condemn Mrs. Phillips comments." He further informed the San Francisco Gate that the district does not track the immigration status of its students and declined to comment on whether Phillips would face disciplinary action.
Phillips Defends Her Position
Despite the backlash, Phillips has stood by her statements. She told CBS 8, "I shared a factually correct observation about the potential practical effects of federal immigration enforcement. I did not express a personal opinion; my observation was factual, neutral and legally compliant."
She elaborated on her perspective as an immigrant, saying, "As an immigrant myself, I understand how and why illegal aliens who are in the country without legal status may feel worried or concerned about immigration enforcement - that is the understanding I expressed in my overall comment." In an interview with Fox 5, Phillips emphasized her adherence to legal obligations, stating, "Public schools exist and support every child who walks through the doors, regardless of their backgrounds. I agree, and that is the law. I want to reaffirm my personal commitment to supporting every student and family, regardless of their immigration status, as required by law." She encouraged concerned individuals to contact her directly.
The Daily Mail has reached out to Phillips for additional comment, highlighting the ongoing national debate over immigration policies and their impact on educational settings.
