Following significant protests against the Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Los Angeles, officials in California announced on Sunday that they would end a longstanding agreement related to detention facilities.
The city of Glendale has officially terminated its contract with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain federal immigrant detainees at its local police station. A press release from the city mentioned that this decision was influenced by public sentiment, noting it could complicate family visits for detainees. “We acknowledge that public perception surrounding ICE contracts is contentious,” the statement read.
Glendale expressed regret that it has become more challenging for some families to see their loved ones detained, emphasizing that access to legal counsel might also be constrained. The statement pointed out that their facilities were designed to support detainees with climate control, seating, and phone access. “We also have a responsibility to ensure that the residents and businesses of Glendale aren’t affected by the unlawful actions of others.”
While there are federal detention centers and private contractors offering similar services nationwide, DHS typically collaborates with local law enforcement for the temporary housing of undocumented immigrants. Glendale acknowledged that its partnership with ICE, while providing certain legal protections, ultimately conflicted with community trust.
In early June, in reaction to ICE’s increased enforcement in Los Angeles, protests erupted against the agency. Despite the presence of individuals wanted for serious offenses, such as murder or drug trafficking, tensions escalated into violence. Demonstrators clashed with ICE agents, vandalizing federal property and surrounding buildings.
On Friday night, around a thousand protesters gathered outside a federal building, leading to clashes with law enforcement. Reports indicated that demonstrators blocked traffic, defaced property, and lit cars on fire while waving various flags.
In response to the unrest, President Trump ordered the deployment of National Guard troops to the area, a move that drew criticism from California’s Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “This violence has exposed the failures of California’s Democratic leaders to protect their citizens.” She added that the President signed a memorandum authorizing the deployment of troops to combat what they described as an environment of lawlessness.
California has stringent laws aimed at curbing cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE, with more restrictions expected should additional legislation pass through the Democratic-controlled state legislature.
