Los Angeles – The FBI on Wednesday served search warrants at the headquarters of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and the home of Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, triggering a federal investigation into the nation’s second-largest school system. The nature of the investigation remains unclear, and officials are releasing limited information.
FBI spokesperson Rukelt Dalberis confirmed that agents executed warrants at multiple locations, including Carvalho’s residence in the San Pedro neighborhood, approximately 20 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. A third location near Miami, Florida, where Carvalho previously served as superintendent, was also searched, according to reports. The affidavits supporting the search warrants are currently under seal, preventing public access to details regarding the basis for the investigation.
The LAUSD issued a brief statement acknowledging its cooperation with the investigation, stating it has “no further information at this time.” Similarly, Carvalho’s office has not yet responded to requests for comment. TV news footage showed FBI agents present at Carvalho’s home, but there was no visible activity at the LAUSD headquarters as of mid-morning Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
This investigation unfolds as Carvalho approaches the four-year mark of his tenure as LAUSD superintendent, a position he assumed in February 2022. Prior to leading the Los Angeles district, Carvalho oversaw Miami-Dade County Public Schools – Florida’s largest school district – from 2008 to 2021. During his time in Miami, he received recognition for improvements in graduation rates and academic performance, and was named Superintendent of the Year in 2014.
Investigation Extends to Florida
The FBI’s search extended beyond California, with agents also conducting a search at a residence in Southwest Ranches, Florida, according to James Marshall, an FBI spokesperson in Miami. Marshall confirmed the scene had been cleared as of Wednesday morning, but provided no further details. Officials with the Miami-Dade school system have not yet responded to inquiries regarding whether they have been contacted by federal agencies concerning Carvalho.
The Los Angeles Unified School District serves more than 500,000 students across more than two dozen cities. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’s office stated it has no information regarding the search of the district’s headquarters, noting the school system operates independently of city government.
Carvalho’s Background and LAUSD Challenges
Alberto Carvalho’s arrival in Los Angeles was met with both optimism and scrutiny. He inherited a district grappling with significant challenges, including pandemic-related learning loss, budget constraints, and ongoing debates over school choice and equity. His previous success in Miami-Dade County led to expectations of similar improvements in Los Angeles, but the district continues to face complex issues.
The timing of the FBI investigation raises questions about its potential impact on the LAUSD and Carvalho’s leadership. The sprawling district is currently navigating ongoing negotiations with labor unions and preparing for upcoming budget decisions. The investigation could introduce further uncertainty into an already complex landscape.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the FBI has not publicly disclosed the focus of the investigation, leaving many questions unanswered. Further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses and the sealed affidavits are potentially unsealed. The public awaits clarity on the allegations driving this federal inquiry and its potential consequences for the Los Angeles Unified School District and its superintendent.
This represents a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
