LAPD Chief Beck’s proposal around LAPD’s participation in the Secure Communities (S-Comm) program is small, practical, and much needed.
Los Angeles – Today, Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck announced a new approach to how the Los Angeles Police Department would be honoring Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s (ICE) holds in light of Governor Jerry Brown’s veto of the Trust Act.
The following is a statement from Angelica Salas, Executive Director for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA):
“Chief Beck’s response to the strong and mounting criticism of S-comm is welcomed, but much more work needs to be done. “
“S-Comm has proven to be a seriously flawed dragnet that promotes racial profiling. Far from targeting the “worst of the worst”, S-Comm catches anyone who happens to fit into ICE’s defined ‘priorities’. Nearly seven in ten of those deported did not fall into ICE’s most serious categories. Shamefully, it is local and state police departments that have been relegated to do ICE’s dirty work. S-Comm damages the trust of the community which is a key element to fight crime, protect victims, witnesses and the overall safety of the communities we live in.”
“Chief Beck’s response while delayed, is a small but significant step forward because it recognizes that S-Comm is an unfair burden on the City of Los Angeles and seeks to rebuild trust among immigrant communities.”
