The new chief of the Los Angeles police force said his department is working with consulate offices for Mexico and other Central American countries to draft a plan to protect immigrants ahead of the Trump administration's plans for mass deportations.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Jim McDonnell said his tenure as police chief will be marked by high engagement with the community, adding that all of society must participate in the criminal justice system to create a safe place to live. A veteran police officer and former sheriff, McDonnell was selected by Mayor Karen Bass in October and sworn in last month.
The LAPD does not stop people or take action for any reason related to immigration status, and it doesn't enforce immigration laws, a practice that has been in place for 45 years, said McDonnell, referring to a department policy known as Special Order 40 enacted in 1979.
"Any immigration enforcement would be undercutting our primary mission, which is to be able to build public trust to work with every member of all of our communities," McDonnell said. "To be able to have hope that people will come forward if they were a victim of crime, a witness to a crime."
The department plans to work with the consulates to create and circulate a video explaining their policies to the immigrant community and alleviating their concerns.
During the last Trump administration, the U.S. Justice Department attempted to withhold funding from sanctuary cities and favor cities that pledged cooperation with immigration enforcement for federal grants.
"We are cognizant of what's at stake," McDonnell said -- noting that with a majority of the LAPD budget going toward personnel, the police force often relies on grants for equipment and tools. He will be working with national police groups like the Major Cities Chiefs Association to advocate for law enforcement needs with the Trump administration.
Alongside engaging the immigrant community, McDonnell hopes for greater engagement from communities traditionally uncomfortable doing so: "just human-to-human, going out and asking for help."
He also vows to build back the police force from currently just under 9,000 sworn officers to a baseline of 10,000 or ideally even exceeding that number. While recent recruitment class size numbers have been mid-30s, he hopes this can double up towards 60 recruits per class.
The additional officers will be crucial as Los Angeles prepares host events drawing visitors globally including FIFA World Cup in 2026; Super Bowl in '27; Olympics '28.
"As we move forward," stated McDonnell importantly adding: "we do so judiciously so we use available tools." Proposition36 recently passed reverts certain shoplifting/drug offenses into felonies again primarily affecting prosecutors yet makes arrests meaningful ensuring local business safety comfort preventing shutdowns leaving communities behind.