LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell has issued new guidance directing officers to verify the identity of federal agents at the scene of suspected immigration enforcement actions, following rising community concerns over reports of masked individuals impersonating law enforcement, LAist reported.
The directive, issued June 27, was publicly discussed by McDonnell at Tuesday’s Board of Police Commissioners meeting. According to McDonnell, LAPD officers responding to suspected federal immigration enforcement must now:
- Request a supervisor if one is not present
- Verify the credentials of the lead agent or supervisor if agents are not clearly identified
- Capture the verification process on body-worn camera to ensure transparency
McDonnell said officers are authorized to take enforcement action if they determine someone is impersonating a federal officer, which may include detention or arrest.
While LAPD has not confirmed any substantiated cases of impersonation during immigration-related arrests, the new protocol follows the recent arrest of a man in Huntington Park accused of posing as a federal immigration agent.
State Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Pasadena) introduced legislation at the end of June in response to growing concerns. The proposed “No Vigilantes Act” would prohibit bounty hunters from participating in immigration enforcement and require law enforcement to display visible identification.
McDonnell reiterated that LAPD officers are not participating in immigration enforcement, citing California laws that limit cooperation between local and federal agencies. He said LAPD’s presence at such scenes is strictly to maintain safety, de-escalate tensions and prevent injuries.
LAPD officials say that the department has responded to at least seven calls in which people contacted 911 to report a kidnapping that turned out to be an ICE operation, the Los Angeles Times reported.
