Los Angeles County Proposes “ICE-Free Zones”

In a recent vote, the Board of Supervisors in Los Angeles County unanimously supported a measure creating “ICE-free zones” in certain areas. This decision stemmed from a passionately debated session, where board members criticized federal immigration agents, expressing concern over their training and conduct.

The resolution aims to designate specific county-owned properties as free from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities. Co-sponsored by Board Chair Hilda Solis and Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, it now awaits a follow-up vote in 30 days. If it passes again, it could be implemented by the end of March, according to a board spokesperson.

“Simply put, the federal government is killing its own people,” Horvath stated right before the vote. Her words struck a chord, as she elaborated on the incident involving Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother who was shot during an encounter with ICE officers while acting as a legal observer. Such tragedies, she noted, contribute to a troubling trend. In fact, Horvath highlighted that 2025 had become the deadliest year for ICE detainees in decades—an alarming statistic echoing through immigrant communities.

During discussions, the supervisor also referenced a similar incident from New Year’s Eve, where an off-duty ICE officer was involved in another shooting in Los Angeles. “This is the worst death toll since at least 2004,” she remarked, emphasizing the ongoing pain felt by those impacted by these enforcement actions.

Horvath insisted that public spaces in Los Angeles should prioritize safety and compassion over fear. She argued that while federal enforcement might operate broadly, the county can preserve its spaces from becoming venues for such violence. The commission, supporting her stance, noted that this initiative represents a formal legislative move toward ensuring county property is used appropriately and not misappropriated for immigration enforcement operations.