Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell has publicly expressed support for officers within his predominantly Latino department who are grappling with mixed emotions regarding the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
In a recent department-wide communication, McDonnell acknowledged the challenges faced by officers as protests against federal immigration raids intensified. He pointed out that some members of his department might be facing community backlash or dealing with personal emotional turmoil.
“When federal immigration enforcement actions take place in communities that may reflect your own heritage, neighborhoods, or even your family’s story, it can create a deep and painful conflict,” McDonnell acknowledged, adding that officers may feel a complex mix of emotions while fulfilling their duties.
This statement reflects a rare moment of solidarity from McDonnell, who has typically avoided engaging deeply in the contentious immigration debate. Throughout his tenure as sheriff during President Donald Trump’s initial term, McDonnell faced criticism for his relationship with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the policies that allowed for federal immigration authorities to operate within the county’s jail system.
Since becoming police chief, he has sought to clarify his stance, focusing on policies designed to promote trust within the city’s diverse communities. Both McDonnell and current L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna have reiterated that their departments do not collaborate with federal authorities specifically for immigration enforcement.
Sheriff Luna also addressed the complex political climate in a message to his deputies, commending their dedication but only briefly touching on immigration enforcement issues.
Local critics have voiced concerns about racial bias in law enforcement practices, particularly concerning the LAPD’s treatment of Latino residents. Several reports highlight that LAPD officers disproportionately pull over and shoot Latino Angelenos compared to their demographic representation.
Chief McDonnell often references Special Order 40, established in 1979, which prohibits LAPD officers from stopping individuals solely to inquire about their immigration status. However, the political environment created by President Trump’s administration has placed local leaders in difficult positions, forcing them to navigate the need to protect federal property and personnel while distancing themselves from controversial immigration policies.
In his communications, McDonnell emphasized the emotional distress officers may experience as they handle community perceptions linking them to federal immigration enforcement. He noted that the public often fails to recognize the nuances of LAPD’s policies and the complexities officers face in their roles.
Despite his empathetic communication with officers, McDonnell has maintained a defensive public stance, focusing criticism on the actions of protesters during recent demonstrations. During a City Council meeting, he engaged in a contentious exchange with council leaders who challenged his department’s relationship with federal immigration authority.
City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson expressed disagreement with McDonnell’s characterization of ICE as a “law enforcement partner,” emphasizing that such agencies do not share the same mission or interests as local police.
Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez commented on the internal conflicts experienced by Latino police officers, linking these feelings to the ongoing consequences of federal immigration actions on families within the immigrant community.
Art Placencia, a retired LAPD detective, observed that the department has transformed significantly since his early years on the force, moving from a predominantly white police force to one that more accurately reflects the demographics of Los Angeles.
He noted that although Latino officers are still underrepresented in senior leadership roles, they now wield considerable political influence.
Placencia emphasized the balancing act McDonnell faces as he navigates the politically charged environment, needing to support the morale of officers while also responding to community concerns.
McDonnell’s personal history as the child of Irish immigrants informs his understanding of the immigrant experience. Still, he faced backlash as sheriff for his opposition to California’s proposed “sanctuary state” legislation during his tenure.
The selection of McDonnell as police chief last November was met with disappointment by some in the department, who favored Robert Arcos, a third-generation Mexican American officer with strong community backing.
Ruben Lopez, a retired LAPD SWAT lieutenant, recognized McDonnell’s efforts to address the internal dilemmas many officers are facing today as they confront their dual roles in policing and belonging to immigrant communities.
Lopez recalled feeling similarly conflicted during past protests, wherein he advocated for community understanding and trust, which is critical for effective community policing.
The current landscape necessitates fostering collaborative relationships with immigrant families to ensure safety and trust across the city, critical components for the LAPD as it continues to evolve in response to the changing demographics of Los Angeles.
image source from：https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-06-12/los-angeles-police-messages-immigration
