Jim McDonnell Takes Helm as LAPD Chief, Pledges No Cooperation with ICE and Aims for Staffing Surge Amid L.A.’s Major Event Preparations

Los Angeles has ushered in a new era in law enforcement with the swearing-in of former L.A. County Sheriff Jim McDonnell as the new LAPD Chief. McDonnell, who took office following a private ceremony last week, celebrated the public continuation of his tenure at the Elysian Park Academy on Thursday. Amid grand expectations to confront the city’s policing challenges, his inauguration comes at a time when the city’s safety is paramount with upcoming major events like the 2028 Olympics and the Super Bowl in 2027.

Mayor Karen Bass, who appointed McDonnell, outlined assertive staffing goals, aiming to reinforce the force above 9,000 officers, a drive complemented by McDonnell’s commitment to listen and assess the department’s needs and strengths, as reported by

NBC Los Angeles

. In a bold policy shift, McDonnell has pledged that under his leadership, the LAPD will not work with ICE on immigration enforcement issues at all, a move reflecting his responsiveness to community concerns and aligning with the state’s sanctuary policies.

Recounting past grievances, McDonnell’s tenure as county sheriff saw criticism for practices involving ICE in county jails. Yet, his term also exhibited a significant reduction in the number of inmates released to ICE, according to figures from Mayor Bass’s office cited by

ABC7

. Bass expressed confidence in the newly appointed chief,

stating

, “Los Angeles is a city of immigrants, and I trust Jim McDonnell to keep our city safe.” McDonnell, returning to a department in which he has served for nearly three decades, also holds the responsibility of upholding trust across every community in the multifaceted tapestry of Los Angeles.

This intersection of law and community is not without its contentious paths, as signified by the opposition from Council members Eunisses Hernandez and Hugo Soto-Martínez during his confirmation. Yet the merging processes of political confirmation, at the hands of an 11-2 City Council vote, and McDonnell’s promise to change the LAPD’s interaction with federal immigration enforcement, signal the potential for re-calibration of LAPD’s relationship with the city it serves. The need for improving morale and addressing recruitment challenges stands as a testament to an LAPD in flux, as detailed by

FOX LA

.

With former chief Michel Moore’s retirement and the transitional interim leadership of Dominic Choi, McDonnell’s succession is marked by continuities and departures. As he navigates the complexities that define Los Angeles’s public safety landscape, the city watches—hoping the promises and policies of today will weave the fabric of a safer, more inclusive tomorrow.

Note: Thank you for visiting our website! We strive to keep you informed with the latest updates based on expected timelines, although please note that we are not affiliated with any official bodies. Our team is committed to ensuring accuracy and transparency in our reporting, verifying all information before publication. We aim to bring you reliable news, and if you have any questions or concerns about our content, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!