The newly confirmed Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, Jim McDonnell, stated during a recent hearing that his department would not assist with mass deportations. McDonnell highlighted the fear that is present in the immigrant community in Los Angeles, especially following the national election. He emphasized that LAPD officers would not take action to determine a person’s immigration status, arrest someone for their status, or assist with mass deportations. McDonnell reiterated that Los Angeles is a city of immigrants and that immigrants have contributed to the nation’s development.
McDonnell’s comments led to criticism from conservatives on social media, who expressed their disagreement with his stance on deportations. Despite serving as LA County Sheriff during Trump’s first term and working with federal immigration agents to deport criminal illegal aliens, McDonnell clarified that he would not engage in such activities in his current role. He pointed to specific policies, including Special Order 40, which prohibits police officers from engaging in immigration enforcement activities. McDonnell assured the community that LAPD would continue to treat all individuals equally, regardless of their immigration status.
During the hearing, Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez addressed the issue of immigration and the protections guaranteed to Los Angeles residents living in the United States illegally. McDonnell reaffirmed that LAPD would not stop, arrest, or discriminate against individuals based on their immigration status. He emphasized the importance of trust between law enforcement and the community, highlighting the need for witnesses and victims to come forward in criminal investigations. McDonnell pointed to the Trust Act and California Values Act as legislation that informs LAPD’s approach to immigration issues.
The Trust Act, signed into law in California in 2014, limits the cooperation between local jails and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) holds requests. A Cato Institute report revealed that deportations in Los Angeles decreased by 39% following the implementation of the Trust Act, compared to a 9% drop in the rest of the country. McDonnell stated that he would be transparent about LAPD’s immigration policies and positions in all communications, regardless of political discourse. Despite criticism from pro-deportation advocates, McDonnell reiterated LAPD’s commitment to serving all communities without discrimination.
Fox News Digital reached out to LAPD for further comments on McDonnell’s stance regarding deporting criminal illegal aliens and whether the department would assist in those efforts. Tom Homan, who previously served as acting ICE director and was recently named “border czar” under Trump, expressed his determination to go after the 425,000 illegal immigrants convicted of crimes currently in the U.S. Homan criticized jurisdictions that oppose deportation efforts, emphasizing that ICE would carry out its duties regardless of resistance. He promised to empower ICE to act decisively against criminal illegal aliens roaming free in the country.
Homan called for cooperation from sanctuary states to assist ICE in apprehending criminal illegal aliens and criticized those who hinder ICE’s efforts. He pledged to remove bureaucratic obstacles faced by ICE in enforcing immigration laws and ensure the agency can fulfill its responsibilities effectively. Homan’s comments reflect a broader commitment to strengthen immigration enforcement efforts and prioritize the deportation of criminal illegal aliens in the United States. Despite disagreements over immigration policies, the debate surrounding deportations and cooperation between federal and local authorities persists.
