Los Angeles County Bans Undercover ICE Agents
The Board of Supervisors in Los Angeles County, known for its progressive stance, voted unanimously on Tuesday to prohibit undercover ICE agents. This decision quickly drew criticism from the Department of Homeland Security.
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin voiced strong opposition to the measure, characterizing it as both dangerous and unconstitutional. She explained that ICE agents, often wearing masks, do so to safeguard against identity exposure and threats of violence.
McLaughlin noted a staggering rise in assaults against ICE officers—an increase of 1,150%—along with an 8,000% surge in death threats. She mentioned, “While Los Angeles County politicians take this route, they are making it easier for violent political extremists to target our brave men and women.”
Before the vote, the situation became chaotic, prompting the removal of some attendees from the chamber.
She also highlighted concerns about gang affiliations, specifically mentioning groups like Torren de Aragua and MS-13 targeting officers’ families, and accused the county of trying to infringe upon the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause.
Despite these warnings, the committee moved forward, referencing months of backlash against an ICE raid that began on June 6 and reportedly resulted in the apprehension of at least 5,000 individuals by late August.
The board, with a budget of $5.2 billion and serving over 10 million people, includes Kathryn Berger, the only conservative supervisor who abstained from the vote.
As protests erupted, with chants of “Take ICE, not us!” the deputies had to clear the chamber. Following a brief recess, the board reconvened and passed the ordinance without amendments.
The key aspect of this measure is the outright ban on local, state, and federal law enforcement from concealing their identities while interacting with the public in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. It also mandates the visibility of identification and agency affiliation, though there are some exemptions for undercover operations, SWAT activities, and necessary safety gear.
Supervisors Janice Hahn and Lindsey Horvath, who introduced the bill, argued that officers in tactical gear and plain clothes have been pulling individuals from their homes without revealing who they are, generating fear and chaos, and possibly allowing real criminals to pose as federal agents.
County Attorney Doin R. Harrison cautioned the board that the law “is likely to face challenges regarding its supremacy clause,” pointing out that the federal government has already initiated legal action.
The supremacy clause states that federal law takes precedence over state laws.
The ordinance is set for a second vote on December 9, and if it passes again, it will become law in 30 days.
