LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission will convene a virtual public forum Aug. 7 to examine local law enforcement’s role in federal immigration operations amid ongoing community tensions over ICE raids across the county.
The forum brings together civilian oversight experts, law enforcement professionals and community partners to discuss Sheriff’s Department policies related to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. The public can provide comments and ask questions during the session.
“This forum is intended to provide the community with a greater awareness of local law enforcement policies as well as information about ways they can safely and lawfully protest against immigration enforcement practices with which they may disagree,” according to the commission’s announcement.
The discussion comes as Sheriff Robert Luna has defended his department’s compliance with federal judicial warrants, stating the department has “no choice” but to transfer certain individuals in county custody to ICE while reiterating that his department does not honor ICE detainers or requests for transfers.
The forum addresses growing community concerns about local law enforcement’s relationship with federal immigration enforcement. Community defense organizers argue that L.A.’s sanctuary laws aren’t enough to keep their immigrant neighbors safe, while some blame state sanctuary laws for why federal agents are keeping Los Angeles law enforcement at arm’s length.
Recent protests over ICE operations have strained local resources. The Sheriff’s Department requested additional resources countywide, deploying additional deputies to maintain order during demonstrations. Sheriff Luna has stated that while the department will protect peaceful protest rights, it will not tolerate violence or property destruction.
The civilian oversight commission was created by the Board of Supervisors in 2016 to provide independent oversight of the Sheriff’s Department, investigate policies and procedures, create community engagement opportunities and make recommendations to improve transparency and accountability.
The commission previously examined the department’s immigration policies through an Immigration Ad Hoc Committee that conducted custody facility tours and reviewed departmental compliance with California’s Values, Trust and Truth Acts. The committee’s 2018 report recognized that the Sheriff’s Department had made substantial improvements to ensure adherence with policies associated with immigrant populations.
The upcoming forum reflects ongoing oversight efforts as immigration enforcement remains a contentious issue in Los Angeles County. Advocacy groups filed a federal lawsuit in July against the Trump administration over ongoing ICE raids in Los Angeles, with a bench trial scheduled for Aug. 11.
The virtual forum is open to the public and provides an opportunity for community members to engage directly with oversight officials and law enforcement representatives on immigration policy questions.
