Los Angeles (California) [US], June 11 (HBTV): Federal immigration raids across Los Angeles have sparked violent protests and exposed a communication gap between city officials and federal authorities, CNN reported.
While the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed that it had notified the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) ahead of the operations, top city leaders insist they were not informed in advance.
According to CNN, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass stated on Monday that city authorities were unaware of the timing or location of the raids. ‘We do not know where and when the next raids will be. That is the concern,’ she told CNN.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell echoed that sentiment, stating the department had not received adequate notice to prepare for the unrest that followed.
However, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin disputed those claims. ‘FALSE. The Los Angeles Police Department was notified two days before the ICE operation began in LA,’ she said in a statement.
Despite the assertion from DHS, both McDonnell and Mayor Bass stood firm. ‘Per Chief McDonnell, the Department was not notified,’ an LAPD spokesperson told CNN.
Bass reiterated the claim on Tuesday, stating: ‘I talked to the chief an hour ago. No, we’re not notified of anything.’
CNN reported that the raids, which took place in areas including the Fashion District and outside a Home Depot in Paramount, triggered days of protests. Demonstrators clashed with law enforcement, blocked highways, and caused property damage.
ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons criticised the LAPD’s delayed response, claiming the department took over two hours to arrive at protest locations. McDonnell countered that claim, stating that LAPD officers responded within 38 minutes.
Experts and former federal officials have said such miscommunication between federal and local agencies poses safety risks. ‘You’ve really got to make sure that your state and local partners know when you are doing a large operation just to avoid any potential issues or confusion,’ said John Sandweg, former acting ICE director under the Obama administration.
The dispute reflects the ongoing tension between California’s sanctuary laws and federal immigration enforcement efforts.
California prohibits local law enforcement from assisting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in most cases and currently has no formal agreements with ICE—unlike states such as Texas, Florida, and Tennessee.
(ANI)