SMPD Affirms Stance on Immigration Enforcement Amid Ice Raids

The statement comes amid ongoing protests and clashes in downtown Los Angeles, where demonstrators shut down the 101 Freeway and confronted law enforcement

The Santa Monica Police Department issued a community statement on June 6 addressing recent federal immigration enforcement actions in the greater Los Angeles area, including downtown Los Angeles. 

Chief Ramon Batista emphasized the department’s commitment to ensuring safety and well-being for all residents, regardless of immigration status.

The statement comes amid ongoing protests and clashes in downtown Los Angeles, where demonstrators shut down the 101 Freeway and confronted law enforcement. President Trump’s deployment of nearly 2,000 National Guard troops, the first such action since 1965 without a state governor’s request, has intensified tensions. California Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized the move as an attempt to “manufacture a crisis.”

SMPD clarified that, in accordance with California Senate Bill 54, its officers do not engage in federal immigration enforcement operations, inquire about immigration status during calls for service, or assist federal agencies in civil immigration actions. The department aims to maintain public trust and respond to all residents with professionalism and fairness.

As protests entered their third day, scattered violence and arrests were reported, with federal authorities vowing to continue enforcement daily. 

The SMPD encouraged the community to stay informed and calm.

in Hard, News
Related Posts

Repairs and Cleanups Underway for Marvin Braude Bike Trail, Posetano Road

August 25, 2025

August 25, 2025

The effort follows a historic atmospheric storm in early 2024 that eroded part of the popular 22-mile trail Repairs to...

Rally Against SB 79 Draws Crowds in Palisades

August 25, 2025

August 25, 2025

The bill, which advanced through Senate and Assembly committees, faces review by the Assembly Appropriations Committee this week, with a...

Beloved Santa Monica Art Gallery to Close Amid Financial Hardships

August 25, 2025

August 25, 2025

Originally opened in 1987, the gallery was the first tenant in Frank Gehry’s Edgemar building in Santa Monica After nearly...

Former Ed Ruscha Brentwood Compound Lists for $4.65M: Artist-Reimagined Estate Hits Market

August 25, 2025

August 25, 2025

Sprawling 1.73-Acre Corner Lot Joins Two 1950s Ranch Homes  The onetime Los Angeles home of artist Ed Ruscha has been...

New $21 Million Mediterranean Home Hits Market in Palisades

August 24, 2025

August 24, 2025

Features include a speakeasy-style bar, a 1,657-bottle refrigerated wine room, a theater, and a wellness wing A newly constructed 10,100-square-foot...

LADWP to Host Second Virtual Town Hall on Palisades Recovery

August 24, 2025

August 24, 2025

The event aims at builders, architects, and community members Los Angeles City Councilmember Traci Park will co-host a virtual town...

Santa Monica Bowls Club Marks 80th Anniversary

August 23, 2025

August 23, 2025

The club’s green, destroyed by heavy rains in 1982, was rebuilt in 1983 and continues to thrive as a hub...

County Releases Animated Film on School Policing Impact

August 23, 2025

August 23, 2025

The initiative stems from 2023 reports exposing racial disparities in school policing. A study by the LA County Office of...

California and Denmark Sign Partnership to Advance Climate and Technology Goals

August 23, 2025

August 23, 2025

The partnership focuses on achieving carbon neutrality by 2045, strengthening digital and cyber resilience, and promoting innovation California and Denmark...

LAPD Seeks Public’s Help in Finding Two Abducted Children

August 22, 2025

August 22, 2025

Police are urging anyone with information about the children’s whereabouts to contact Lieutenant Ku at the Olympic Division at (213)...

LA General Medical Seeks Help Identifying Patient

August 22, 2025

August 22, 2025

The patient is approximately 56 years old, stands 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighs 121 pounds, and has black and...

Santa Monica Place Hosts Weekly Western Wednesday Line Dancing

August 22, 2025

August 22, 2025

No prior dance experience is required, and attendees are encouraged to bring enthusiasm and comfortable shoes Santa Monica Place will...

Santa Monica Road Rage Incident Leads to Arrest, Hospitalization

August 22, 2025

August 22, 2025

Bystanders restrained the pedestrian until officers arrived A pedestrian was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly slashing...

THIS WEEKEND: Great Western Steak & Hoagie Marks 52 Years with Hoedown Event

August 22, 2025

August 22, 2025

Established in 1973, Hoagies has been a neighborhood staple, blending Wild West flair with its signature sandwiches The Great Western...

New Program Aids Wildfire Rebuilds with All-Electric Incentives

August 21, 2025

August 21, 2025

The HOME LA Pilot Program provides up to $10,000 in incentives for single-family homes The city of Los Angeles unveiled...