LOS ANGELES, CA — In response to mounting public concern over federal immigration enforcement activities being carried out by unidentified individuals in Los Angeles neighborhoods, Councilmembers Eunisses Hernandez and Bob Blumenfield today introduced a package of legislation to strengthen oversight, protect residents, and ensure due process.
The first motion seeks to address growing fear and confusion in communities—particularly among immigrants—caused by enforcement actions involving individuals operating in unmarked vehicles, wearing plain clothes, and refusing to identify themselves to residents or LAPD officers. The legislation seeks to codify and enhance LAPD’s recently adopted Policy Notice 11.2, which outlines departmental procedures for responding to federal immigration enforcement, and proposes turning these protocols into law through a City ordinance.
“Angelenos are overwhelmed with fear and confusion right now, especially immigrant and mixed-status families,” said Councilmember Hernandez. “There are plainclothes individuals in unmarked vehicles taking community members off the street without presenting warrants and while refusing to identify themselves—even to other law enforcement officers like the LAPD. There must be accountability and transparency to keep our communities safe.”
The motion further directs the City Attorney, with support from the Board of Police Commissioners, to issue a report that leads to a draft ordinance requiring LAPD officers to verify the identity of any individual claiming to be a law enforcement officer—including those from federal agencies like ICE and CBP—when a person subject to enforcement requests assistance from LAPD, particularly in cases where the officer is masked, lacks visible ID, or otherwise cannot be clearly identified.
“Not long ago it would seem unfathomable that we’d need legislation like this but our communities are under attack and more often than not, we have no idea if the people behind the mask and gun are real agents,” said Councilmember Blumenfield. “It should not be controversial to stand against people claiming to be law enforcement, jumping out of cars and terrorizing our city.”
The second motion instructs the City Attorney to review and recommend amendments to the Los Angeles Municipal Code to increase penalties and enforcement tools related to impersonating a public safety officer. It also seeks to affirm the right of residents to request and receive proof of identity and legal authority during any enforcement or detention interaction.
These come on the heels of a disturbing case in Huntington Park, where an individual impersonating a federal immigration agent was arrested carrying fake credentials, firearms, and surveillance tools. The case underscores the risk of impersonation to residents and law enforcement officers alike.
Together, this legislative package aims to protect public safety, safeguard civil rights, and address widespread fear among communities related to repeated and unverified federal immigration enforcement actions.