Federal Authority in Immigration Enforcement Asserted by ICE Against Los Angeles Mayor's Claims

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has publicly refuted claims by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass regarding federal authority in immigration enforcement, asserting that its jurisdiction is long-established by Congress. This comes amidst heightened tensions following recent federal operations in Los Angeles, which Mayor Bass has characterized as "unlawful raids" and "political stunts." The federal agency's statement underscores a fundamental disagreement over the scope of immigration law enforcement within U.S. cities.

"FALSE, Mayor Bass \u2014 The federal government is not attempting to 'seize authority' because the federal government was GIVEN authority to enforce immigration law by CONGRESS generations ago," U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement stated in a tweet. The agency further clarified its position, adding, "Our jurisdiction already extends into every city, town and territory of the United States." This direct rebuttal emphasizes the federal government's view of its inherent and pervasive power in immigration matters.

Mayor Bass directly confronted heavily armed federal agents, including Border Patrol and military units, during an immigration sweep at MacArthur Park. She described the scene as looking "like a city under siege" and demanded the agents leave, slamming the operation as "outrageous and un-American." Reports indicated the federal presence disrupted a children's summer camp and health services for homeless individuals in the park, drawing widespread condemnation from city officials.

In response to the federal actions, Mayor Bass signed an executive directive aimed at bolstering city protocols that prohibit the use of city resources for federal immigration enforcement. The directive seeks to support Los Angeles' immigrant communities and establishes new measures, including an LAPD working group and requests for records from federal agencies regarding the raids. The city has also announced intentions to pursue legal challenges against the Trump administration over these operations.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has also weighed in, criticizing the federal deployments as "theatrics over public safety" and deeming them illegal. The ongoing federal presence in Los Angeles, including National Guard and Marine units, has been estimated to cost approximately $134 million. This escalating dispute highlights the deep divisions between federal and local authorities on immigration policy and enforcement.