# Immigration enforcement tensions in Los Angeles > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/immigration-enforcement-tensions-in-los-angeles > Updated: 2026-08-24T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2. Tensions have escalated in Los Angeles regarding immigration enforcement and local sanctuary policies. Educators in the region, supported in part by the group Unión del Barrio, have initiated unauthorized volunteer patrols near schools to monitor for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity and warn immigrant families. The Los Angeles Unified School District has disavowed these unofficial patrols, while the Department of Homeland Security has criticized the movement, calling claims of targeted school raids a “false narrative.” The DHS maintains that ICE does not conduct arrests at schools unless involving dangerous criminals or child sex offenders. Concurrently, Thomas Giles, director of the ICE Los Angeles Field Office, has identified California’s sanctuary policies as a factor that complicates enforcement and increases risks for officers. Giles stated that these policies hinder the transfer of custody in secure environments, often necessitating operations in public spaces or via vehicle stops. He further noted that ongoing litigation in California prevents officers from approaching certain properties, which he claims endangers both law enforcement and the community. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-24: ICE Los Angeles Director cites risks from sanctuary policies ICE Los Angeles Field Office Director Thomas Giles says California sanctuary policies increase risks for officers by complicating enforcement and limiting access to secure custody transfers. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ice-los-angeles-director-cites-risks-from-sanctuary-policies ### 2026-08-16: Los Angeles teachers conduct unauthorized patrols to monitor ICE activity Los Angeles teachers are conducting unauthorized neighborhood patrols to monitor for ICE activity, a move criticized by DHS but supported by local union leaders seeking to protect immigrant families. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-angeles-teachers-conduct-unauthorized-patrols-to-monitor-ice-activity --- Cite as: Immigration enforcement tensions in Los Angeles. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/immigration-enforcement-tensions-in-los-angeles