A Californian city has announced it is officially terminating its partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as protests continue in Los Angeles over immigration raids.
Why It Matters
Immigrant rights advocates and protesters squared off against federal authorities over the weekend in response to the White House’s immigration enforcement operations in Los Angeles.
On Sunday morning, the first wave of up to 2,000 National Guard troops arrived in the city, following the eruption of protests two days earlier. California Governor Gavin Newsom later called on the federal government to reconsider the deployment order.
What To Know
The City of Glendale in Los Angeles County said in a statement on Sunday that the decision to end the agreement DHS and ICE was “not made lightly.”
The agreement allowed detainees to be housed at the Glendale Police Department facility, which provided access to virtual and in-person visitation.
City leaders acknowledged the change could make family visits more difficult, and warned that access to legal representation might be more limited at other facilities.
“Nevertheless, despite the transparency and safeguards the city has upheld, the city recognizes that public perception of the ICE contract—no matter how limited or carefully managed, no matter the good—has become divisive,” the city said in a press release.
“And while opinions on this issue may vary—the decision to terminate this contract is not politically driven. It is rooted in what this city stands for—public safety, local accountability, and trust.”
“We remain in full compliance with SB 54,” the City said.
SB 54, and also known as the “California Values Act,” is a California state law that prevents state and local law enforcement agencies from using their resources on behalf of federal immigration enforcement agencies.
“The Glendale Police Department has not engaged in immigration enforcement, nor will it do so moving forward.”
Glendale’s facility has been acknowledged for its standards compared to many federal or privately run detention centers, according to the release.
Officials have emphasized that detainees benefit from its proximity to family members and legal support—resources that are often limited or unavailable in more remote or privatized facilities.
City leadership clarified that the Glendale Police Department does not enforce immigration laws and will continue to comply with SB 54.
The city has said that the facility will be designated for local law enforcement use only. Officials also noted their continued focus on public safety, transparency, and equitable treatment for all individuals, irrespective of immigration status.
President Donald Trump‘s administration is pushing forward with plans to carry out what they described as the largest mass deportation operation in U.S. history and has conducted numerous ICE raids.
Newsweek has revealed dozens of cases in which non-violent offenders have been detained by federal authorities.
Although these raids are being conducted under federal legal authority, protests erupted following reports emerged that detainees were being held in the basement of a federal building. ICE has denied these claims, with a spokesperson previously telling Newsweek that the agency “categorically refutes the assertions made by immigration activists in Los Angeles.”
The confrontations highlight the growing tensions between sanctuary cities and federal immigration policies as the White House continues to implement sweeping changes to policy.
What People Are Saying
Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin told Newsweek: “Why do Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass care more about violent murderers and sex offenders than they do about protecting their own citizens?
“These rioters in Los Angeles are fighting to keep rapists, murderers, and other violent criminals loose on Los Angeles streets. Instead of rioting, they should be thanking ICE officers every single day who wake up and make our communities safer.”
President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social Saturday night: “If Governor Gavin Newscum, of California, and Mayor Karen Bass, of Los Angeles, can’t do their jobs, which everyone knows they can’t, then the Federal Government will step in and solve the problem, RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!!”
California Governor Gavin Newsom on X, formerly Twitter, following the National Guard announcement: “The federal government is moving to take over the California National Guard and deploy 2,000 soldiers.
“That move is purposefully inflammatory and will only escalate tensions. L.A. authorities are able to access law enforcement assistance at a moment’s notice. We are in close coordination with the city and county, and there is currently no unmet need.”
The Democratic Governors Association said: “President Trump’s move to deploy California’s National Guard is an alarming abuse of power. Governors are the commanders in chief of their National Guard and the federal government activating them in their own borders without consulting or working with a state’s governor is ineffective and dangerous.
“Further, threatening to send the U.S. Marines into American neighborhoods undermines the mission of our service members, erodes public trust, and shows the Trump administration does not trust local law enforcement.
“It’s important we respect the executive authority of our country’s governors to manage their National Guards—and we stand with Governor Newsom who has made it clear that violence is unacceptable and that local authorities should be able to do their jobs without the chaos of this federal interference and intimidation.”
What Happens Next
California Democrats are calling on the Trump administration to withdraw the National Guard.
Further protests against the administration’s enforcement operations are expected across the nation.
English 
