Newly sworn-in LAPD chief sparks backlash after revealing plan to buck Trump admin on ‘mass deportations’

The newly appointed chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, Jim McDonnell, recently made a bold statement during a city council meeting, declaring that the LAPD will not assist with mass deportations. McDonnell emphasized that the department will protect the immigrant community, stating that LAPD officers will not take action to determine a person’s immigration status or arrest someone based on their status.

In his address to the council, McDonnell acknowledged the fear and uncertainty felt by many Angelenos, especially those in the immigrant community, in the wake of the national election. He emphasized that Los Angeles is a city of immigrants and highlighted the contributions that immigrants have made to the city and the nation as a whole.

McDonnell’s stance on immigration sparked criticism from conservatives on social media, with some calling for federal intervention to enforce deportation efforts. Despite his previous collaboration with federal immigration agents as LA County Sheriff, McDonnell made it clear that he would not participate in such activities in his current role as LAPD chief.

During the hearing, McDonnell was questioned by Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez about the protections guaranteed for residents living in the U.S. illegally. McDonnell reiterated the LAPD’s commitment to treat all individuals equally and to not base their actions on immigration status. He pointed to state laws such as the Trust Act and California Values Act as guiding principles for the department’s approach to immigration enforcement.

The Trust Act, signed into law in 2014, places limits on ICE hold requests in local jails and aims to ensure that individuals are treated fairly regardless of their immigration status. A report by the Cato Institute in 2018 found that deportations in Los Angeles decreased following the implementation of the Trust Act.

Despite criticism and calls for stricter enforcement of immigration laws, McDonnell remains steadfast in his commitment to protecting the immigrant community and upholding the values of equality and fairness. He emphasized the importance of building trust between law enforcement and the community to ensure that crimes are reported and perpetrators are held accountable.

As debates over immigration enforcement continue to unfold, McDonnell’s stance reflects a broader shift in attitudes towards immigration in the United States. While some may advocate for stricter enforcement measures, others emphasize the importance of upholding the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status. Ultimately, McDonnell’s leadership will play a crucial role in shaping the LAPD’s approach to immigration enforcement and maintaining the safety and well-being of all residents in Los Angeles.