The newly sworn-in Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Chief, Jim McDonnell, has found himself at the centre of a heated debate following his remarks on immigration policy. In a recent city council hearing, McDonnell made it clear that the LAPD would not assist with mass deportations. His comments, made in response to concerns raised by Angelenos in the wake of the Trump administration’s tough stance on illegal immigration, have sparked a backlash from conservatives and right-wing commentators.
Let’s break down what McDonnell said, the response it garnered, and the implications it has for Los Angeles, the immigrant community, and broader U.S. immigration policy.
McDonnell’s Stance: A Commitment to Protect Immigrants in LA
During a November 8th hearing, McDonnell made a firm statement that the LAPD would not cooperate with the federal government’s efforts to carry out mass deportations. The remarks came in the wake of fears within the immigrant community, many of whom felt threatened by potential increases in deportations under President-elect Donald Trump.
“I want to be unequivocally clear here in my opening comments,” McDonnell said at the council meeting. “LAPD will protect our immigrant community, LAPD officers will not take action to determine a person’s immigration status, and will not arrest someone for their status. LAPD will not assist with mass deportations.”
His comments were aimed at reassuring the city’s immigrant population, which makes up a significant portion of Los Angeles’ diverse demographic.
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Immigrant-Friendly Stance: McDonnell framed his response within the context of LA being a “city of immigrants.” He emphasised that LA’s strength lies in its diversity and that its residents deserve equal protection under the law, regardless of their immigration status.
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Trust and Safety: The LAPD chief highlighted the importance of trust between the community and law enforcement. He stressed that immigrants should feel safe coming forward as victims or witnesses without fear of being deported. This is a point that ties into California’s Trust Act and the California Values Act, both of which limit local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Social Media Backlash: Critics and Supporters Respond
McDonnell’s statements quickly went viral, with both supporters and critics weighing in on social media. On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), conservative voices, including popular accounts like LibsofTikTok, lashed out at the LAPD chief’s position, accusing him of undermining federal immigration laws.
- Conservative Backlash:
- “Who wants to tell him that they’re getting deported whether he likes it or not?” posted LibsofTikTok.
- Conservative commentator Gunther Eagleman also expressed frustration, stating, “Get out of California while you still can!”
- Right-wing pundit Harrison Krank remarked, “Time to send in the Feds” in reference to the LAPD’s stance on deportations.
- Support from Immigrant Advocates:
- On the other side, immigrant rights advocates and community leaders praised McDonnell’s comments, which align with the city’s long-standing commitment to being a sanctuary city. The Trust Act and California Values Act limit the ability of local police to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in most non-criminal cases, offering a buffer for undocumented immigrants living in Los Angeles.
The Trust Act and LAPD’s Policy on Immigration
McDonnell’s position is rooted in Los Angeles’s Sanctuary City policies, which have been in place for years. Special Order 40, implemented in 1979, prohibits the LAPD from initiating arrests based solely on immigration status. This policy has been a point of contention for those who argue that local law enforcement should play a role in upholding federal immigration laws.
However, McDonnell’s statement aligns with California’s broader stance on immigration, including the Trust Act (2014) and the California Values Act (2017). These laws limit ICE’s ability to request detainers and coordinate with local authorities, particularly for non-criminal offenses.
Here’s what the Trust Act and California Values Act involve:
- The Trust Act: Limits the ability of local jails to honour ICE detainer requests for individuals who have not been convicted of serious crimes.
- The California Values Act: Further restricts ICE access to local law enforcement records, ensuring that undocumented immigrants who are not convicted criminals are not at risk of deportation due to routine police procedures.
McDonnell’s Past vs. Present: Shifting from Sheriff to Police Chief
Before being appointed LAPD chief, Jim McDonnell served as the Los Angeles County Sheriff during the first term of President Trump. In this role, McDonnell worked closely with federal immigration authorities, helping to deport criminal illegal aliens. However, as the LAPD chief, McDonnell’s position is markedly different.
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Sheriff McDonnell’s Role: As sheriff, McDonnell had a more cooperative relationship with ICE, prioritising deportation for individuals convicted of crimes. This was in line with Trump-era policies aiming to deport undocumented immigrants with criminal backgrounds.
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LAPD McDonnell’s Stance: As LAPD chief, McDonnell is walking a fine line between respecting federal immigration policies and maintaining trust with the diverse populations of Los Angeles. He has made it clear that while the LAPD will continue to assist with criminal investigations, it will not act as an arm of ICE for deportations.
What Does This Mean for LA’s Immigrant Community?
For Los Angeles’ immigrant community, McDonnell’s statements offer a degree of reassurance. The LAPD has long been seen as a barrier between immigrant families and federal immigration enforcement. Under McDonnell’s leadership, this is unlikely to change.
- Safety for Immigrants: Immigrants in LA can feel more secure in the knowledge that the LAPD will not work directly with ICE to enforce deportations. This may lead to more cooperation between immigrant communities and law enforcement, which is critical for public safety.
- Political Tension: McDonnell’s refusal to cooperate with ICE, especially in deportation efforts, puts him at odds with some conservative voices who believe that local law enforcement should cooperate more with federal immigration enforcement.
ICE’s Response and the National Debate on Immigration
Former acting ICE director Tom Homan responded to McDonnell’s comments, saying that local jurisdictions unwilling to cooperate with federal deportation efforts should “get out of the way.” Homan emphasized that ICE would continue its work independently and would focus on deporting criminal illegal aliens, a stance that aligns with Trump administration policies.
This clash between local police forces and federal immigration authorities is part of a larger national conversation about the role of law enforcement in enforcing immigration laws. Sanctuary cities like Los Angeles continue to push back against policies they view as harmful to immigrant communities, while the federal government under leaders like Donald Trump and now Joe Biden continues to push for stricter enforcement.
Conclusion: A City Divided
Jim McDonnell’s comments about mass deportations have highlighted the ongoing tension between local law enforcement policies and federal immigration laws. While his stance may offer comfort to many immigrants in Los Angeles, it has certainly sparked backlash from those who believe that local police should assist in deportation efforts.
As Los Angeles continues to be a sanctuary city with policies protecting immigrant communities, McDonnell’s leadership will likely remain a point of contention as the national immigration debate rages on.
Relevant Links for Further Reading
- LAPD’s Policy on Immigration LAPD Official Website
- Trust Act Overview California Department of Justice
- California Values Act California Legislative Information
- ICE and Deportation Practices ICE Official Website
