Los Angeles County’s Board of Supervisors has taken a significant step against federal immigration enforcement by voting unanimously to prohibit Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from using county properties for raids and arrests. On January 13, 2024, the board approved a motion aimed at creating “ICE-Free Zones” across the county, which would include parking lots, parks, and other public spaces.
The ordinance proposes that county properties be marked with signs stating they “may not be used for unauthorized civil law enforcement, including civil immigration enforcement.” Supervisors plan to implement physical barriers, such as padlocks on gates, to deter ICE operations. The motion, brought forward by Supervisors Lindsey Horvath and Hilda Solis, will return to the board for further consideration in 30 days.
Horvath emphasized that “L.A. County will not allow its property to be used as a staging ground for violence caused by the Trump Administration.” She expressed a vision of public spaces as places of safety, not fear, following a series of controversial ICE raids that have occurred throughout the county. These operations have reportedly led to the detention of hundreds of individuals, including U.S. citizens, as agents have conducted arrests in various public areas.
The board’s decision follows a climate of increasing tension surrounding immigration enforcement. Activists and local officials have criticized ICE’s characterization of detainees as dangerous criminals, asserting that many are hardworking community members. The recent death of Renee Nicole Good, a U.S. citizen shot by an ICE agent during a raid in Minneapolis, has intensified scrutiny of federal immigration practices. The tragic incident has sparked nationwide protests, including demonstrations in Los Angeles.
In response to these events, the proposed ordinance outlines measures requiring law enforcement agencies to obtain permits for staging or processing raids on county properties. It also calls for county agencies to compile a list of locations likely to be targeted for federal operations. This initiative mirrors a similar order enacted by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson in October 2023, which aimed to restrict the use of city-owned properties for ICE activities.
The motion highlights past incidents of ICE operations affecting local communities, such as a raid at Deanne Dana Friendship Park in San Pedro, where federal agents reportedly threatened park staff. The county has expressed concern that such actions discourage public use of recreational spaces and hinder staff from fulfilling their duties.
Supervisor Janice Hahn criticized ICE’s tactics, describing the agency’s agents as untrained compared to local law enforcement. She stated, “We cannot allow our county properties to be a tool for the work they are doing. And I believe the work they are doing is dangerous and unsafe.”
The push for ICE-Free Zones reflects a broader desire among county officials to protect residents from what they view as harmful federal enforcement practices. Solis remarked that the board’s actions could inspire other cities within the county to adopt similar measures to safeguard their communities.
Public comments during the board meeting underscored community concerns about ICE’s presence. One resident recounted an incident in Pasadena where an ICE agent brandished a weapon at bystanders during a protest. This incident further illustrates the growing apprehension among residents regarding federal immigration enforcement.
As the proposed ordinance advances, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors aims to reinforce its commitment to protecting public spaces and ensuring that they remain accessible and safe for all residents. The anticipated vote on the finalized ordinance will take place in the coming weeks, indicating a continued effort to confront federal immigration policies at the local level.
