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The FBI has raided the Los Angeles Unified School District headquarters and the home of Superintendent Alberto Carvalho.

Getting into it: The raids took place early Wednesday morning, with federal agents executing search warrants at LAUSD’s downtown headquarters and at Carvalho’s residence in San Pedro. Agents were also reported at a property in Southwest Ranches, Florida, as part of the broader investigation. The Department of Justice confirmed the searches but said the affidavits were under seal, declining to specify the target or nature of the probe. Employees at district headquarters were temporarily escorted out while agents conducted their search, though operations later resumed.

While authorities have not confirmed the focus of the investigation, attention has centered on LAUSD’s $6 million contract with the now-defunct education technology startup AllHere. The district paid roughly half that amount for the development of an AI chatbot known as “Ed,” designed to address chronic truancy and provide student support. The rollout was met with criticism after reports that the company had limited artificial intelligence experience and that the chatbot experienced technical issues. In 2024, AllHere filed for bankruptcy, and its CEO was later charged with defrauding investors of nearly $10 million.

The contract drew scrutiny from union leaders and watchdogs who questioned the district’s vetting process and spending on outside technology vendors, particularly during tight budget negotiations. The chatbot was taken offline after AllHere’s collapse, and district officials previously stated they were unaware of financial irregularities at the company. LAUSD’s inspector general also reviewed concerns related to student data privacy in connection with the platform.

In response to the raid, LAUSD said it was aware of “law enforcement activity” at both district headquarters and the superintendent’s home and that it is cooperating fully with federal authorities. Carvalho has not publicly commented on the searches themselves.