Despite concerns raised by immigrant rights advocates and other activists, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’s chosen candidate for the next LAPD Chief, former county Sheriff James McDonnell, won approval from a key City Council committee on Tuesday.
The Public Safety Committee, comprised of five council members, voted 4-1 in favor of McDonnell, whose nomination still requires confirmation from the entire City Council. Councilman Hugo Soto-Martinez, a committee member, cast the lone dissenting vote.
During the meeting, committee members pressed McDonnell on a wide range of issues impacting the LAPD, from recruiting new officers and bolstering morale to implementing unarmed response strategies and building stronger ties with Los Angeles residents.
Other topics of discussion included ongoing efforts to transform the department’s disciplinary procedures, the controversial use of pretextual stops by law enforcement, and methods to minimize legal claims stemming from officer misconduct.
However, a particularly contentious issue revolved around McDonnell’s previous policies regarding immigration enforcement.
As county sheriff from 2014 to 2018, McDonnell permitted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents access to county jails. In 2017, he voiced his opposition to California Senate Bill 54, which established the state as a sanctuary state, thereby limiting cooperation between local law enforcement agencies and federal immigration authorities.
Soto-Martinez questioned McDonnell intensely on this point, emphasizing the city’s ongoing efforts to establish itself as a sanctuary city as well.
LAPD officials have consistently maintained compliance with the California Values Act, enacted in 2018, which prohibits state law enforcement agencies from using resources to assist federal immigration enforcement efforts.
“My role as LAPD chief is crystal clear,” McDonnell stated. “I report to the police commission, the mayor, and the council, and we collaborate as partners in ensuring public safety.”
“We won’t take any actions that depart from the city’s established policies,” he added. “Our duty is operational—to protect all communities equally and do so to the best of our ability.”
While Soto-Martinez opposed McDonnell’s nomination, the other committee members expressed their support.
Councilwoman Rodriguez thanked the former county sheriff for his dedication to engaging with stakeholders on public safety issues.
“It’s through dialogue with those who hold differing viewpoints that we often gain the most insight and find a path forward,” Rodriguez said.
She noted her longstanding acquaintance with McDonnell, and expressed gratitude for his willingness to lead the department.
Before the committee’s discussion, approximately 50 individuals offered public comments, with Rodriguez, who presided over the meeting, limiting each speaker to one minute due to time constraints associated with convening a special session.
Several speakers vehemently condemned McDonnell’s nomination, with one characterizing it as a “slap in the face.”
“I’ve called Los Angeles home for the past three years, and what strikes me most about this city is its incredible diversity. People from all corners of the globe make up our vibrant community,” remarked Gabriel Aguilar, a resident of El Sereno. “In my view, his actions and record disqualify him, and he should not be our Police Chief.”
Members of The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights also voiced their opposition to McDonnell’s nomination, urging council members to formally declare Los Angeles a sanctuary city, which would solidify protections for its immigrant community.
Earlier this month, Mayor Bass announced McDonnell as her selection to lead the LAPD, succeeding Michel Moore, who retired in February. Dominic Choi has filled the role in an interim capacity.
McDonnell emerged as one of three finalists, alongside LAPD Deputy Chief Emada Tingirides and former Assistant Chief Robert “Bobby Arcos,” who heads investigations for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Mayor Bass described McDonnell as “one of America’s premier law enforcement professionals” and a “nationally recognized thought leader on public safety.” She expressed confidence in McDonnell’s ability to keep the city secure as Los Angeles prepares to host major sporting events in the coming years.
Some observers had anticipated that Mayor Bass would select either a woman or a Latino candidate—both historical firsts. However, she ultimately chose McDonnell, who is white.
“Black Lives Matter-Los Angeles is both disheartened and outraged by the mayor’s choice,” BLM-LA stated in a press release issued on October 7. “We remain dedicated to holding police accountable and challenging elected officials who prioritize their personal ambitions over the well-being of our community.”
Mayor Bass defended her selection, emphasizing that public safety was her foremost priority.
“Our city has a monumental task ahead in preparing to welcome the world,” Mayor Bass previously stated. “Above all else, as I’ve said from the outset, keeping this city safe is paramount. We needed, and I believe strongly that we have secured, one of the nation’s top law enforcement professionals who is willing to return to the department and lead us during a time when the department itself requires internal transformation, when the city needs to feel secure, and when we need to prepare to welcome the world. I am incredibly confident in this decision.”
McDonnell served with the LAPD for 29 years, holding various leadership positions culminating in his appointment as first assistant chief of police. He retired in 2010 to lead the Long Beach Police Department, where he served for nearly five years.
According to McDonnell, his goals are to enhance public safety throughout the city, “rebuild our department to full strength,” and “strengthen public trust, the foundation of all our work.” He also aims to develop deeper community relationships while ensuring “respectful and constitutional policing practices.”
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