LOS ANGELES — Amid mounting public anger over federal immigration raids and the city’s response to ongoing protests, members of the Los Angeles City Council confronted LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell in a tense session Tuesday — questioning everything from the use of force against demonstrators to the department’s relationship with federal immigration authorities.
Since last Friday, downtown Los Angeles has seen daily protests — sparked by President Trump’s aggressive immigration enforcement campaign — that have at times escalated into chaotic street clashes, property damage, and dozens of arrests.
A City on Edge: National Guard Deployed, Curfew Enforced
Mayor Karen Bass, who has publicly condemned both the ICE raids and the militarization of city streets, announced a curfew Tuesday from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. in most of downtown L.A. after the Trump administration sent Marines and the National Guard to assist local law enforcement.
“This is federal political theater,” Bass said, pushing back on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s claim that the military deployment would last for at least 60 days.
Tensions Flare in Council Hearing
During the hearing, Councilmember Imelda Padilla pressed Chief McDonnell on whether the LAPD would notify city officials in advance of federal immigration actions, especially when they impact city residents and fuel unrest.
McDonnell, holding firm, responded:
“You’re asking me to warn you about an enforcement action being taken by another agency before it happens? We can’t do that. That would be completely inappropriate and illegal.”
Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson took a sharper tone, criticizing the LAPD’s characterization of federal agencies like ICE as “law enforcement partners.”
“If we know somebody is coming here to do warrant-less abductions of the residents of this city, those are not our partners,” he said. “I don’t care what badge they have on.”
McDonnell defended LAPD’s broader collaborations with federal agencies — particularly for major events like the World Cup and Olympics — but emphasized that the department does not enforce immigration law, consistent with LAPD policy since 1979.
Use of Force Under Scrutiny
Councilmembers also challenged the LAPD’s protest tactics, specifically the firing of rubber bullets. Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martínez cited the shooting of an Australian journalist during live coverage of a protest, saying:
“To see a reporter get shot with a rubber bullet … on live television does not add to the de-escalation.”
Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez added that she had personally viewed footage of attorneys and peaceful protesters being hit by non-lethal rounds, sometimes from more than 50 yards away.
McDonnell defended the department’s use of force, stating LAPD “is the best department in the country at holding officers accountable.” He declined to comment on specific incidents, saying investigations were ongoing.
Growing Distrust and Fear of Federal Overreach
In response to the federal presence, Councilmembers Tim McOsker, Ysabel Jurado, and Eunisses Hernandez introduced a motion Tuesday seeking detailed information about how the city plans to protect municipal buildings and public-facing offices from unauthorized federal access.
Their proposal questioned whether facilities like City Hall and public counters have adequate security “to prevent unlawful entry by federal entities,” noting concerns over employee and public safety as “this Federal political theater plays out.”
What’s Next for L.A.?
With over 180 arrests made since the protests began — including charges ranging from failure to disperse to attempted murder — civic leaders are being forced to navigate a volatile moment where immigration policy, public safety, and civil rights collide.
Chief McDonnell insists the LAPD is walking a difficult line:
“We have to be able to partner across jurisdictions on crime, without crossing the line on immigration enforcement.”
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