ICE Los Angeles Director cites risks from sanctuary policies

Thomas Giles, the director of the ICE Los Angeles Field Office, reported that California’s sanctuary policies are complicating immigration enforcement and increasing risks for officers. Giles stated that these policies make it more difficult to facilitate the transfer of custody in secure environments, often forcing agents to conduct operations in public spaces or through vehicle stops.

Giles noted that prior to current sanctuary policies, agents could process hundreds of individuals daily from local jails. He also highlighted that ongoing litigation in California prevents officers from approaching targets' properties, which he claims puts both law enforcement and community members at risk. During a recent operation in the Los Angeles area, ICE officers apprehended six individuals, including those with prior convictions for assault and illegal re-entry.