LAPD Chief disputes claims of police cooperation with ICE
Chief Jim McDonnell says state law limits data sharing while mayoral candidate Nithya Raman argues the department protected agencies during raids.
By Wyatt Cooper ·
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell rejected allegations that the LAPD shared operational data with federal immigration agents, a dispute that has pulled the law enforcement leader into the city's mayoral race. Candidate Nithya Raman has pledged to fire McDonnell if she wins the election, citing her belief that the department worked with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during recent raids.
During an interview, Raman stated that credible reports indicated the LAPD shared information from fingerprint databases and Flock surveillance cameras with ICE. She argued that this cooperation endangered residents while the federal administration conducted enforcement actions on the streets. Raman also asserted that McDonnell has failed to build trust with the city's immigrant community.
McDonnell countered that the department is prohibited by state law from sharing specific operational details with immigration officials. He explained that while the LAPD works closely with federal partners on public safety, it does not coordinate with them on immigration enforcement. He specifically addressed the Flock camera issue, noting that the department pulled back from the contract because the provider did not meet the civil liberty standards required to ensure compliance.
On the matter of fingerprint data, McDonnell clarified that the LAPD is required by the California Penal Code to share arrestee prints with the state Department of Justice. The state then forwards that data to a national database. He argued this process is standard procedure to identify fugitives who cross state lines, rather than a targeted effort to aid immigration enforcement.
McDonnell emphasized that cooperation across local, state, and federal agencies is necessary for public safety, particularly with the Super Bowl scheduled for next year and the Olympic Games in 2028. He noted that the department's workforce reflects the community it serves, with 57% of sworn officers and over 50% of civilian professional staff being Latino.
Mayor Karen Bass also disputed Raman's characterization of the relationship. Bass stated that the LAPD was not working on behalf of ICE. When asked about the political pressure of the race, McDonnell said he has thick skin after 45 years in policing and four years as a sheriff. He described the political environment as sometimes ugly but said he focuses on safety rather than political agendas.
Source: ABC7 Los Angeles
