Los Angeles County Board Takes Action on Immigration Enforcement
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Tuesday to begin drafting an ordinance aimed at establishing “ICE-free zones” on county properties. This move seeks to reduce the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in areas where the public accesses essential services.
Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, who initiated the motion alongside Chair Hilda Solis, stated on her website that they expect the county attorney to prepare the draft within the next month. She expressed that the county will not permit ICE to utilize public properties to intimidate individuals seeking assistance.
In her remarks, Horvath emphasized the national issues surrounding immigration enforcement, stating that fear often drives people away from places like parks and clinics. “When residents feel too scared to seek medical help or engage with the community, that signals a problem,” she remarked. “Although we may not control federal enforcement, we do have authority over our spaces, and it’s vital that these remain safe and welcoming.”
The impetus for this proposal stemmed from a federal enforcement action at Dean Dana Friendship Park in San Pedro last October, which disrupted access and county operations.
If the proposed ordinance passes, it would prevent ICE from using any county-controlled land as staging sites or operational bases for immigration enforcement activities. Additionally, it would mandate the installation of signs on county property, introduce a licensing framework for private immigration enforcement, and clarify that criminal law enforcement and authorized judicial warrants would still be permitted.
On the other side, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Esseri responded to the motion on X, asserting that local governments cannot obstruct federal agents from operating in public spaces. He indicated that agencies would continue to use necessary public areas to enforce law, warning that anyone — including county employees — attempting to interfere would face legal consequences. He criticized the motion as a distraction from collaborative efforts to target criminal immigration issues.
