Los Angeles County Expands Sanctuary Status by Establishing ICE-Free Zones

Los Angeles County Approves Motion for “ICE-Free Zones” on County Properties

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion Tuesday that begins the process of establishing “ICE-free zones” across all county-owned and county-controlled properties. The measure directs County Counsel to return with a draft ordinance within 30 days.

Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, who introduced the motion alongside Chair Hilda Solis, stated that the county would not allow its public property “to be used by ICE to cause harm and to frighten people away from receiving services and support.”

“Across this country, civil immigration enforcement has too often turned deadly, and that fear follows people into parks, clinics, and public buildings,” Horvath explained. “When residents are scared to seek care or show up in public spaces, something is deeply wrong.”

The proposal was reportedly prompted by a federal immigration enforcement operation conducted in October 2025 at Deane Dana Friendship Park and Nature Center in San Pedro. According to Horvath’s office, the operation temporarily disrupted public access and county operations at the park.

If eventually approved, the ordinance would prohibit the use of county-owned and county-controlled properties as staging areas, processing locations, or operational bases for unauthorized civil immigration enforcement actions. The measure would also require visible signage on county properties and establish a formal permit process for civil immigration enforcement activities.

The supervisors emphasized that the ordinance would not impede criminal law enforcement activities or block actions authorized by valid judicial warrants. This distinction highlights the focus on civil immigration enforcement rather than criminal proceedings.

Los Angeles County joins a growing number of jurisdictions across the country considering or implementing similar policies. Cities like Chicago have already established comparable “ICE-free zones” on municipal properties in response to increased immigration enforcement operations under federal directives.

The move has drawn sharp criticism from federal law enforcement officials. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli responded to Horvath on social media, stating, “Local jurisdictions cannot target and exclude federal agents from public spaces. Your county counsel should have explained that to you. We will use any public spaces necessary to enforce federal law.”

Essayli further warned that anyone impeding federal agents would face arrest and criminal charges, noting that more than 100 individuals have already been charged for similar conduct. He suggested the county should instead “cooperate with federal law enforcement to help us target and remove criminal illegal immigrants.”

The motion represents the latest development in the ongoing tension between local governments in California and federal immigration authorities. Los Angeles County, with its large immigrant population, has long maintained policies that limit cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Immigration advocates have praised the measure as necessary to ensure immigrant communities can access vital county services without fear, while critics argue it impedes legitimate law enforcement functions and exceeds local authority.

The Board of Supervisors will review the draft ordinance when presented by County Counsel, with further public discussion expected before any final approval. The measure’s implementation would potentially affect hundreds of county facilities, including parks, hospitals, government buildings, and service centers throughout Los Angeles County.