LA County Moves Forward with Plan to Limit Federal Immigration Enforcement in ICE-Free Zones
Los Angeles County Moves to Create "ICE-Free Zones"
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Tuesday to prohibit immigration enforcement officers from accessing county-owned facilities, a move aimed at establishing designated "ICE-free zones" across the region.
This new policy will restrict federal immigration officials from using county properties, such as hospitals, clinics, and social service offices, as staging areas or processing centers. County officials believe that removing ICE’s presence from these locations will allow residents to access essential services without fear of deportation.
The directive, which must be formalized into an ordinance within 30 days, follows a federal raid at Deane Dana Friendship Park and Nature Center in San Pedro on October 8, 2025. This raid reportedly intimidated residents and disrupted the operations of the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation.
"ICE-free zones are critical to ensuring that all residents feel safe accessing public resources," said Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, who co-authored the motion alongside Supervisor Hilda Solis. The proposal echoes a similar executive order implemented in Chicago designed to limit ICE operations in city-owned properties.
The ordinance will include measures requiring signage at county facilities to clarify that they are not available for federal operations. It also affirms that the ordinance will not interfere with judicial warrants or the enforcement of criminal laws.
Supporters of the initiative have raised concerns about public safety and civil rights amid ongoing federal immigration actions. Supervisor Janice Hahn highlighted this urgency, referencing a recent incident in Downey where federal agents targeted two legalized landscapers. "It could not be clearer—they are racially profiling our residents, and this is an assault on our entire Latino community," Hahn stated.
In contrast, federal officials criticized the newly proposed ordinance. The Department of Homeland Security branded the initiative as "illegally illiterate," asserting that immigration law enforcement remains a federal responsibility as outlined in the Constitution. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli warned that local jurisdictions could not exclude federal agents from public spaces, stating, "Anyone who attempts to impede our agents will be arrested."
As Los Angeles County prepares to formalize this ordinance, tensions between local leaders and federal authorities over immigration enforcement are likely to escalate. County attorneys now have 30 days to draft the ordinance, which will include provisions for signage and protections for county employees, ensuring that public spaces remain accessible for their intended purposes. Meanwhile, federal authorities maintain their commitment to enforce immigration laws in any necessary public spaces, potentially setting the stage for legal disputes.
