Key Takeaways
• District Attorney Nathan Hochman reinstated tough penalties, including the death penalty, and emphasizes stricter immigration enforcement in Los Angeles County.
• Over 1,000 theft arrests followed Proposition 36’s passage; 230 human trafficking arrests occurred in Los Angeles County during a recent statewide operation.
• Special task forces tackle retail theft, human trafficking, fentanyl poisoning, homelessness, and wildfire-related crime for targeted law enforcement.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman has sent a strong message: things have changed for those who come into Los Angeles County to break the law, especially when it comes to immigration enforcement. In a video posted on May 18, 2025, at the very border of Los Angeles County and San Bernardino County, Nathan Hochman looked into the camera and declared, “The fun is over.” This is more than just a warning. It marks a clear turning point in the approach to public safety and immigration matters in Los Angeles County.
Nathan Hochman’s statement comes at a time when many residents and officials are concerned about crime rates, including crimes involving people crossing into Los Angeles County from other regions. Hochman has been very open about what he intends to do as the new district attorney. His focus on immigration enforcement is part of a wider plan to deal with crime and public safety across the county.
A New Direction for Los Angeles County
Nathan Hochman was elected as district attorney after beating George Gascón, who was known for supporting reform-minded policies, by a wide margin of 20 points. During his campaign, Nathan Hochman described himself as a “hard middle” candidate. That means he did not fully support either strict mass incarceration or the idea of letting many people out of jail without consequences. Instead, he says his policies are about being practical and direct in fighting crime.
Since taking office, Nathan Hochman has moved quickly to change many of the rules set by his predecessor. One of his first decisions was to give prosecutors more options again, such as seeking the death penalty and asking for extra years in prison for those convicted of serious crimes. These moves signal to both the public and people considering breaking the law that things will now be done differently in Los Angeles County.
Why Immigration Enforcement Matters
The topic of immigration enforcement is important in a place like Los Angeles County, where millions of people live, many of whom come from other countries. Some residents feel that the county was too lenient on crimes involving people who crossed borders—whether county or national. Nathan Hochman addressed these concerns head-on. In his video, he pointed directly to the practice of people crossing into Los Angeles County, thinking it would be easy to get away with theft, robbery, or other crimes.
He said, “I am standing at the border between LA County and San Bernardino County where criminals used to enjoy crossing in the LA direction, thinking that little to no consequences would occur if they stole, robbed and engaged in criminal conduct.” He continued, “Times have changed. The fun is over. A new DA was elected. And criminals in LA County will now be prosecuted and held fully accountable for their illegal actions.”
This focus on immigration enforcement does not mean targeting people simply because they are from another country, but rather making it clear that if someone commits a crime—especially if crossing county or state lines—they will face strong action from law enforcement and the district attorney’s office.
Breaking Down Recent Actions
Nathan Hochman’s immigration enforcement push is the most recent part of a larger plan that involves several new task forces and a much more active district attorney’s office.
- Retail Theft: Only the week before the immigration announcement, Nathan Hochman pointed out the impacts of Proposition 36. This new law changed rules around theft, making some shoplifting crimes felonies instead of misdemeanors. Since December 18, 2024, there have been over one thousand arrests for theft under these new rules. That shows the district attorney’s office is paying careful attention to crimes that affect businesses and shoppers in the area.
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Human Trafficking: Human trafficking is a major problem in many large cities. Nathan Hochman’s leadership played a central role in a recent statewide operation that arrested over 500 people involved in human trafficking crimes. Of these, 230 arrests took place right in Los Angeles County. These numbers show that the office is acting not only on street-level crimes but also more organized, serious criminal activities.
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Wildfire-Related Crime: Los Angeles County is no stranger to wildfires. In the aftermath of recent wildfires in communities like Pacific Palisades and Altadena-Pasadena, some people took advantage of the situation to commit crimes such as arson and looting. Nathan Hochman formed a special task force to deal with these crimes, leading to nearly three dozen people being charged.
All these steps point to a clear pattern: Nathan Hochman is not only saying that things will change, but actually following through with concrete actions. He links public safety with immigration enforcement, making crime harder for those used to avoiding consequences in Los Angeles County.
Policy Reversals and What They Mean
Nathan Hochman’s leadership is different from his predecessor in many ways. George Gascón came into office with many promises to lower the number of people in jail, remove harsher penalties, and focus on helping rather than punishing. Some residents and businesses felt this allowed crime to rise or remain unchecked in certain areas.
Nathan Hochman’s early steps as district attorney included undoing these changes. He brought back the possibility for prosecutors to seek the death penalty and to add time to sentences for certain types of offenders. These are strong measures that show he is willing to take tough steps if he believes it will make the county safer.
In his own words, Nathan Hochman wants to avoid both “extreme policies on both ends of the pendulum swing.” That means he does not support letting everyone out of jail without considering public safety, but he also doesn’t promote putting everyone in jail for long periods without reason. His approach is to study each case, focus on making communities safer, and be flexible enough to change policies as new problems arise.
Task Forces: More Focused Enforcement
The district attorney’s office under Nathan Hochman has started a number of new task forces to deal with specific types of crime:
- Homelessness: Rising homelessness affects nearly every city in Los Angeles County. The task force looks at crimes both against and by homeless individuals.
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Fentanyl Poisoning: Fentanyl is a powerful drug linked to many deaths in recent years. The DA’s team is working to identify and prosecute those spreading these drugs.
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Human Trafficking and Hate Crimes: As shown by the arrest numbers, these remain key problems for law enforcement.
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Organized Retail Crime and Residential Burglary: Groups that coordinate theft from stores or homes are now facing more risk of arrest and prosecution.
Each of these task forces aims to address a specific problem, rather than trying to use one big solution for all crime. Nathan Hochman’s administration believes that by being more direct and organized, law enforcement can be more effective.
Community Impact and Response
Nathan Hochman’s new approach to immigration enforcement and public safety has sparked talk in communities throughout Los Angeles County. Supporters say his focus on stricter law enforcement is long overdue and will make residents feel safer, especially in neighborhoods where crime seemed to go unchecked in recent years. People working in retail, parents worried about drug dangers, and families living in wildfire-prone areas have all expressed more hope that the county is taking their concerns seriously.
However, not everyone agrees with the new steps. Some community groups and legal advocates worry that stepping up immigration enforcement could create fear among immigrants or cause people to avoid seeking help from police. They also argue that strict policies might put too many people behind bars without looking at other solutions. These are important debates that Nathan Hochman and his office will likely face as they carry out new policies.
Immediate and Long-Term Effects
The short-term impact of Nathan Hochman’s policies can already be seen in the higher number of arrests for theft, human trafficking, and other crimes. For many, this shows that Los Angeles County is getting tougher on crime, sending a message to those considering entering the county to commit a crime that they will not have an easy time.
In the long term, it remains to be seen whether these stricter policies will make Los Angeles County much safer, or if some problems may reappear in different form. Some experts believe focusing on both strong law enforcement and programs to help people change their lives works best. Others think stricter penalties are the most important tool.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the choice between these strategies often depends on what residents feel is most important: feeling safe in their homes and communities, or making sure that the justice system is fair to everyone.
What You Should Know About Immigration Enforcement in Los Angeles County
If you live in Los Angeles County, work there, or are just interested in how immigration rules are handled, it is important to know that things are changing. Nathan Hochman’s focus on immigration enforcement does not mean every immigrant is being targeted. It means the county will no longer be a place where criminals, including those who cross borders to commit crimes, can count on avoiding prosecution.
If someone is accused of a crime, especially involving cross-county or cross-state movement, they should be aware that the district attorney’s office is taking these cases seriously. Law enforcement and prosecutors are working together to make Los Angeles County a harder place for criminals to hide.
For people interested in following these changes, and for those who might be worried about immigration enforcement, the official Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office website provides the latest updates and public information about policies, task forces, and changes in enforcement efforts.
Final Thoughts
Nathan Hochman’s promise to increase immigration enforcement is part of a bigger plan to make Los Angeles County a safer place. By undoing previous reforms, starting new task forces, and making strong public statements, he has shown there is a new direction for the office. This means a stronger push both against cross-border crime and in favor of tough law enforcement throughout the area.
Still, the effects of these changes will come into sharper focus over time. Both supporters and critics will be watching closely to see if stricter policies lead to the safer communities Nathan Hochman has promised, or if they bring new challenges. For now, the message is clear: Los Angeles County is changing under Nathan Hochman’s leadership, and both immigration enforcement and public safety are top priorities.
For further official details, you can visit the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Learn Today
District Attorney → The chief prosecutor for a county, responsible for prosecuting criminal cases and creating crime-fighting policies in their jurisdiction.
Proposition 36 → A California law changing theft-related crimes, making some shoplifting offenses felonies rather than misdemeanors, resulting in stricter penalties.
Task Force → A specialized group formed within law enforcement to focus on specific types of crimes, such as retail theft or human trafficking.
Human Trafficking → The illegal trade, transport, or harboring of people for exploitation, including forced labor, servitude, or commercial sexual activities.
Immigration Enforcement → Government actions aimed at regulating illegal entry, residence, or criminal acts by non-citizens within city, county, or national borders.
This Article in a Nutshell
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman’s bold policies signal a new era of strict immigration enforcement. With active task forces and restored tough penalties, hundreds have already been arrested for theft and trafficking. While critics debate fairness, supporters hope these measures make communities safer under his practical, direct leadership.
— By VisaVerge.com
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