LA Mayor Installs Anti-ICE Signs Across City

“Anti-ICE” signs are reportedly being put up all over Los Angeles city halls at the directive of Democratic Mayor Karen Bass, who is eyeing re-election.

Mayor Bass has mandated that signage is installed at over 450 sites to inform federal agents not to enter or utilize these locations for immigration enforcement actions.

In a statement, Mayor Bass expressed, “I won’t sit back while federal agents turn our neighborhoods into zones of fear and intimidation. We’ve drawn clear lines in Los Angeles. City property will not be a base for these raids.”

Bill Ezeiri, the first assistant U.S. attorney for the Central District of California, dismissed Bass’ actions and the signs themselves.

“This is just ridiculous. These signs carry no legal weight or authority over federal actions,” he remarked. He added that federal agents will proceed as necessary to enforce federal laws, regardless of city signage.

Ezeiri further asserted that the signs wouldn’t hinder federal employees in their duties, stating, “No, absolutely not. They’re invalid. They don’t mean anything to us.”

The signs convey the following message:

“This property is owned or controlled by the City of Los Angeles. It is designated solely for the City’s intended uses and must not be used for immigration enforcement actions, such as staging areas, processing locations, or operational bases.”

The signage prominently features a quote from Mayor Bass, whose re-election efforts may be faltering amid low approval ratings among local residents.

Although the Los Angeles election is officially nonpartisan, Bass is a notable Democratic figure and also spoke at the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

City officials did not disclose the cost associated with installing the signs, but estimates suggest it may be around $250,000. The signs are located at various public sites including transportation hubs, parks, libraries, zoos, and parking lots.