The newly appointed chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, Jim McDonnell, has recently faced backlash for his stance on opposing President Trump’s ‘mass deportation’ plan. During a city council meeting on November 8, McDonnell expressed his commitment to protecting the immigrant community in Los Angeles. He emphasized that LAPD officers would not engage in actions to determine a person’s immigration status or assist with mass deportations.
McDonnell’s remarks received criticism from conservatives on social media, with some questioning his authority and suggesting federal intervention. Despite his previous role as LA County Sheriff, where he collaborated with federal immigration agents to deport illegal alien criminals, McDonnell clarified that he would not pursue such actions in his current position as LAPD chief.
In response to inquiries from Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez about the protections guaranteed for residents living illegally in the United States, McDonnell reaffirmed LAPD’s commitment to treating everyone equally regardless of their immigration status. He highlighted the Trust Act and California Values Act as key policies guiding LAPD’s approach to immigration-related matters.
The Trust Act, signed into law by former Governor Jerry Brown in 2014, restricts the extent to which local jails can comply with ICE hold requests. As a result, deportations in Los Angeles decreased significantly, according to a Cato Institute report. McDonnell assured Rodriguez that LAPD’s stance on immigration would remain consistent and transparent, irrespective of political discourse.
While McDonnell’s position on deporting criminal illegal aliens remains unclear, former ICE director Tom Homan criticized jurisdictions that oppose deportation efforts, urging them to either assist or step aside to allow ICE to fulfill its duties. Homan emphasized ICE’s commitment to targeting convicted criminal immigrants across the United States who are currently not in custody.
As the debate surrounding immigration enforcement continues, McDonnell’s leadership at the LAPD will be closely monitored to assess how the department navigates its role in upholding public safety while respecting the rights of all individuals in Los Angeles. The evolving landscape of immigration policies and enforcement practices underscores the importance of clear communication and collaboration between law enforcement agencies and federal authorities.
