LAPD Updates Immigration FAQ to Clarify Enforcement Role

Key Takeaways

• LAPD updates FAQ June 27, 2025, clarifying immigration enforcement role and community policing policies.
• LAPD does not arrest for civil immigration violations except in legal exceptions under California Values Act (SB 54).
• ICE raids from June 6, 2025, caused fear; LAPD limits federal cooperation to criminal warrants and public safety.

On June 27, 2025, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) released a new FAQ called “Community Policing and Immigration: A Guide to LAPD’s Policies.” This update, announced by LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell, comes at a time of high tension in Los Angeles due to a recent wave of ICE raids. The FAQ, available in both English and Spanish, is meant to clarify The LAPD’s role in immigration enforcement and reassure immigrant communities about how police interact with federal immigration authorities.

Who is involved? The LAPD, led by Chief Jim McDonnell, is at the center of this update. Federal agencies like ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are also key players, as are local immigrant communities, business owners, and advocacy groups.

What happened? The LAPD updated its public guidance to make clear that officers do not arrest people for civil immigration violations or ask about immigration status during routine police work, except in very specific legal situations.

When did this happen? The FAQ was released on June 27, 2025, following a series of ICE raids that began on June 6, 2025.

Where is this taking place? The events are centered in Los Angeles, California, but the impact is felt across many neighborhoods, including Paramount, Compton, Pico-Union, Cypress Park, and Bell.

Why was this done? The LAPD wants to build trust with immigrant communities, reduce fear, and make sure people feel safe reporting crimes. The update also responds to confusion and concern caused by recent federal immigration enforcement actions.

How does it work? The FAQ explains the LAPD’s limits when it comes to immigration enforcement, the legal rules they follow, and how officers should handle situations involving federal immigration authorities.

What’s New in the LAPD’s Immigration Policy?

Clear Limits on Immigration Enforcement

The updated FAQ makes it clear that the LAPD does not use city resources to help with federal immigration enforcement unless the law requires it. Officers do not arrest people just because of their immigration status. They also do not ask about immigration status during normal police work, like traffic stops or when responding to calls for help.

Following State Law: The California Values Act (SB 54)

The LAPD’s policy follows the California Values Act, also known as SB 54. This state law says that local police cannot use their resources to help with federal immigration enforcement, except in certain cases required by law. The FAQ repeats this commitment, making sure both officers and the public understand the rules.

When Can LAPD Work with Federal Agencies?

There are some situations where the LAPD may work with federal immigration authorities:

• Criminal Immigration Warrants: If a federal judge issues a criminal immigration warrant (not a civil one), LAPD may help, but only after checking that the warrant is valid and specific.
• Public Safety Risks: If there is a clear risk to public safety, LAPD may coordinate with federal agencies, but only as the law allows.
• Legal Requirements: If state or federal law requires LAPD to help, they will do so, but only within those limits.

Community Engagement

The FAQ is available in both English and Spanish to make sure everyone can understand it. The LAPD encourages people to report crimes and seek help without worrying about immigration consequences.

Why Did LAPD Update Its Policy Now?

Recent ICE Raids and Community Fear

The update comes after a series of ICE raids that started on June 6, 2025. These raids targeted workplaces like the Fashion District, Home Depot, clothing warehouses, and other local businesses. At least 44 people were detained in the first wave, and advocates estimate that over 300–330 people have been arrested across several neighborhoods.

These actions have caused widespread fear in immigrant communities. Many people are afraid to leave their homes, go to work, or even shop at local businesses. Latino-owned businesses and street vendors have seen a sharp drop in customers, with some closing or hiding to avoid attention.

Protests and Political Response

The raids led to large protests, with 39 people arrested during demonstrations on June 22 and 23, 2025. Some protests turned tense, and the Department of Homeland Security reported a 413% increase in assaults against ICE officers in Los Angeles during this period.

City and state leaders have pushed back against federal enforcement tactics, calling for more protections for immigrants and criticizing the impact of the raids on local communities.

What Does This Mean for Immigrants, Police, and Federal Authorities?

For Immigrant Communities

• Safer to Report Crimes: The LAPD wants immigrants to know they can call the police or report crimes without worrying about being questioned about their immigration status. This is meant to help people feel safer and more willing to work with police.
• Economic Effects: The fear caused by ICE raids has hurt local businesses, especially those owned by immigrants. Many people are staying home, which means less business for shops and vendors.
• Community Disruption: Neighborhoods like Koreatown, the Garment District, and East LA have become much quieter, with fewer people out and about.

For Law Enforcement

• Clear Rules for Officers: The FAQ gives officers clear instructions on what they can and cannot do when it comes to immigration enforcement. This helps avoid confusion and legal problems.
• Building Trust: By limiting involvement in federal immigration enforcement, the LAPD hopes to build trust with immigrant communities. Trust is important for solving crimes and keeping neighborhoods safe.

For Federal Authorities

• Limited Local Help: The LAPD’s policy, along with SB 54, means that federal agencies like ICE get less help from local police. This can make it harder for them to carry out immigration enforcement.
• Tension with Local Leaders: The lack of cooperation has led to more tension between federal and local authorities, as well as between law enforcement and protestors.

How Does LAPD Handle Immigration Enforcement? Step-by-Step

1. Routine Police Work
   • Officers do not ask about immigration status during traffic stops, investigations, or when responding to calls for help.
   • Officers do not arrest people for civil immigration violations (these are not crimes, but violations of immigration rules).
2. Criminal Immigration Warrants
   • If a federal judge issues a criminal immigration warrant, LAPD may help, but only after checking that the warrant is real and specific.
   • Officers must verify the warrant before taking any action.
3. Working with Federal Agencies
   • LAPD may work with federal immigration authorities only in limited situations, such as when required by law or when there is a clear risk to public safety.
   • The department does not hold people just because of their immigration status.
4. Community Outreach
   • The FAQ is shared in both English and Spanish.
   • The LAPD encourages everyone to report crimes and seek help, promising that immigration status will not be a barrier.

What Are the Legal Rules Behind LAPD’s Policy?

The main law guiding the LAPD’s policy is the California Values Act (SB 54). This law, passed in 2017, says that state and local police cannot use their resources to help with federal immigration enforcement, except in certain cases. The goal is to make sure that immigrants feel safe working with local police and to protect the rights of everyone in the community.

You can read the full text of the California Values Act on the California Legislative Information website.

What Do Experts and Community Leaders Say?

LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell
Chief McDonnell says the updated FAQ is meant to clear up confusion and help build trust. He wants immigrants to feel safe reporting crimes and working with police, without worrying about immigration consequences.

Labor and Community Advocates
People like SEIU California President David Huerta, who was injured and arrested during an ICE raid, say the FAQ is needed to protect immigrants from fear and economic harm. They want to make sure local police do not become an extension of federal immigration authorities.

Federal Officials
The Department of Homeland Security and ICE have criticized the lack of local cooperation, saying it makes their job harder and puts officers at risk. They have called for more support from local leaders.

Law Enforcement Experts
Experts agree that clear policies help officers do their jobs and build trust with the community. They see the FAQ as a good step toward reducing fear and confusion.

How Are Different Groups Affected?

• Local Law Enforcement: Focused on public safety and trust, with a clear preference for limiting involvement in federal immigration enforcement.
• Immigrant Communities: Feel some relief from the clarification but remain worried due to ongoing ICE raids.
• Federal Authorities: Frustrated by the lack of local support, which they say affects their ability to enforce immigration laws.
• Labor and Community Advocates: Actively watching enforcement actions and pushing for stronger protections for immigrants.

Historical Background

The LAPD has a long history of trying to balance public safety with the need to build trust in immigrant communities. The California Values Act (SB 54) made this approach official by limiting how much local police can help with federal immigration enforcement. The recent ICE raids and protests have made these issues even more important, leading to the latest update of the LAPD’s FAQ.

What’s Next for LAPD and Immigration Enforcement?

• Ongoing Community Engagement: The LAPD promises to keep talking with immigrant communities and to update the FAQ as laws or policies change.
• Possible New Laws: State and local leaders are thinking about more protections for immigrants, which could further limit police involvement in immigration enforcement.
• Federal Pressure: Federal agencies are likely to keep pushing for more local cooperation, which could lead to more legal and political clashes.

Where Can I Find More Information?

• LAPD Immigration FAQ: Available in English and Spanish on the LAPD website.
• Contact: Los Angeles Police Department, 100 W. 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Phone: (877) ASK-LAPD.
• California Values Act (SB 54): Read the full law on the California Legislative Information website.

Common Questions

Can LAPD ask about my immigration status?
No, except in very specific legal situations.

Will LAPD help ICE with immigration enforcement?
Only if required by law or if there is a valid criminal immigration warrant.

What should I do if I am a victim of a crime?
Report the crime to LAPD. You do not need to worry about your immigration status.

How can I get a copy of the FAQ?
The FAQ is on the LAPD website in both English and Spanish.

Key Facts at a Glance

Final Thoughts and Practical Guidance

The LAPD’s updated FAQ is a direct response to recent ICE raids and the fear they have caused in Los Angeles. By clearly stating that officers do not arrest people for civil immigration violations or ask about immigration status during routine police work, the department hopes to build trust and encourage everyone to report crimes. This policy is grounded in state law and reflects a long-standing effort to balance public safety with the rights of immigrants.

If you live in Los Angeles and have questions about your rights or the LAPD’s role in immigration enforcement, check the FAQ on the LAPD website or contact the department directly. Remember, you have the right to report crimes and seek help from police, no matter your immigration status.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, clear communication and strong community engagement are key to making sure everyone feels safe and protected. For more details on your rights and the latest updates, visit the official LAPD website.

This approach by the LAPD, led by Chief Jim McDonnell, shows how local police can support public safety while respecting the rights of all residents, even during times of increased federal immigration enforcement.

Learn Today

LAPD → Los Angeles Police Department responsible for local law enforcement and community safety in Los Angeles.
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency enforcing immigration laws and conducting raids.
California Values Act (SB 54) → A 2017 state law limiting local law enforcement involvement in federal immigration enforcement.
Civil Immigration Violation → Non-criminal immigration rule infractions not warranting arrest by local police under LAPD policy.
Criminal Immigration Warrant → A warrant issued by a federal judge to detain someone for immigration-related criminal charges.

This Article in a Nutshell

On June 27, 2025, LAPD issued a new FAQ clarifying it won’t enforce civil immigration laws, easing fears amid widespread ICE raids in Los Angeles neighborhoods.
— By VisaVerge.com