Los Angeles City Council Responds to Trump’s Olympic Task Force
In Los Angeles, after Paul raised concerns about the federal government’s role in the upcoming 2028 Summer Games, the Trump administration reacted swiftly. This response came after a council member expressed worry that President Trump’s offer of help might lead to negative outcomes, referencing the unfortunate death of Renee Goode.
Council member Monica Rodriguez voiced her concerns regarding the Olympic task force established by Trump. She suggested it could be a facade for increased deportations and conflict with residents of Los Angeles.
Rodriguez, a Democrat from San Fernando Valley, said, “Given the activities of ICE, I am worried about the presence of a federal task force during the 2028 Games. We have legitimate concerns about their influence on local policing.”
Unanimously, the City Council approved a motion the previous night. This motion seeks to clarify the federal government’s responsibilities in ensuring the Olympics’ safety, designating the Los Angeles Police Department as the lead for security.
However, the Trump administration dismissed these worries as baseless.
White House spokesman Davis Engle stated, “President Trump’s main goal is to ensure the safety of the 2028 Olympics and to make them the most successful Games ever.” He mentioned that the Olympic Task Force would collaborate with state and local leaders to manage logistics and coordination effectively.
An LA28 spokesperson reiterated the significance of the Task Force, highlighting its role in fostering collaboration between the federal government and local authorities to ensure a successful Olympic event.
Rodriguez, known for opposing ICE tactics, emphasized the need for transparency from the federal task force to “prevent federal overreach and to maintain local control.”
She recalled the tragic death of Renee Good, an anti-ICE activist, noting, “We are in tragic times and currently reactive to the provocations happening in our nation,” during the City Council meeting.
This discussion follows Los Angeles County’s initiative to establish “ICE-free zones” on county-managed properties.
The proposal had unanimous backing from the Oversight Board, which criticized ICE officers as “dangerous” and poorly trained prior to their 5-0 vote.
Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, a co-sponsor of the bill, remarked on the federal government’s actions, stating, “Our government can cause harm to its own citizens in plain sight, while engaging in unlawful activities.”
A further vote on this topic is expected within a month, with potential implementation by the end of March, according to a board spokesperson.
As for the Olympics, there has been no comment from ICE regarding its planned involvement during the event. The last time the U.S. hosted the Olympics, in Salt Lake City in 2002, a Joint Terrorism Task Force was formed by President George W. Bush to coordinate safety efforts with local entities.
