Mayor Karen Bass has signed a Feb. 10 executive order banning ICE agents and other federal immigration officials from using Los Angeles city-owned property. At the same time, she ordered the Los Angeles Police Department to keep body cameras on during any federal immigration enforcement activity.
The move is meant to “protect Los Angeles” from what Bass describes as aggressive federal action. She made it clear that the city will not welcome ICE enforcement on its property. The order takes effect as tensions continue between local leaders and federal officials.
Karen Bass Executive Order Bans ICE From Los Angeles City Property
The new executive order blocks ICE agents from staging or operating on any city-owned or city-controlled property. According to Bass, agents have attempted to use both public and private spaces across the city.
“What we have seen in all of our districts is ICE go and attempt to stage at various properties, public or private,” she said.
Bass stressed that the situation is not normal. She told residents, “Let me make myself clear, this is not normal, and it will never be normal. It is the opposite of what a federal government is supposed to do.” The order is designed to support immigrant rights groups and community organizations across Los Angeles.
LAPD Body Cameras Required During Federal Immigration Operations
Beyond banning ICE from city property, Bass also directed LAPD officers to keep their body cameras on during any federal immigration enforcement activity. Officers must also retain the footage.
Police are often present when ICE agents operate in the city. Their role is usually to manage crowds and prevent conflict. However, Bass said the goal is to send a message that “ICE enforcement is not welcome here.”
In addition, LAPD officers must document the names and badge numbers of federal supervisors on scene. If someone is injured, officers must record the names of emergency personnel. They are also required to take reports from the public about alleged misconduct.
2025 ICE Protests and New Immigration Affairs Liaisons
The executive order follows controversial ICE activity in Los Angeles in 2025. That activity sparked massive protests across the city.
As a result, Bass began preparing city departments months ago. In July, she asked departments to create plans in case of federal immigration action on city property. Now, each department must appoint an “immigration affairs liaison.”
These liaisons will serve as points of contact during any federal enforcement action. The goal is to ensure quick communication and clear response steps. Therefore, the city hopes to avoid confusion and protect residents’ rights.
DHS Responds as Los Angeles Calls Itself a ‘City of Immigrants’
The Department of Homeland Security has pushed back against Bass’s move. Under Secretary Kristi Noem, DHS says it will continue enforcement in greater Los Angeles.
A DHS spokesperson stated the agency will enforce the law “relentless and unapologetic.” The spokesperson also claimed that “sanctuary politicians like Karen Bass are attempting to demonize law enforcement for doing their job.”
Meanwhile, Bass has doubled down on her message. After the Super Bowl halftime show, she called Los Angeles a “city of immigrants.” She praised the celebration of culture and unity. “It was a powerful reminder that the contributions of immigrants and diverse communities are integral to our nation’s past, present, and future,” she wrote on X.
As the debate continues, the Feb. 10 order places Los Angeles firmly in the national spotlight. The city’s leadership is drawing a clear line on immigration enforcement and local control.
