LAPD Won’t Enforce California No Secret Police Act, Chief McDonnell Cites Safety and Legal Concerns
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell announced the department will not enforce California’s new “No Secret Police Act,” citing tactical and community safety, long-standing non-cooperation with ICE, legal uncertainty, and concerns for public trust amid state and federal disputes.
Key takeaways
- SB 627 / SB 805: California’s No Secret Police Act bans federal immigration agents from concealing identities while operating in the state — see L.A. Taco and ABC7.
- LAPD stance: Chief McDonnell said the department will not cite or detain federal agents for mask violations, citing safety and a long-standing policy of avoiding ICE immigration enforcement — reported by Fox News and Fox 11 Los Angeles.
- Legal fight: The law took effect Jan. 1, 2026, but faces federal legal challenges, including action by the U.S. government — coverage by ABC7.
Background: the law and how it came to be
Why the law was proposed: California lawmakers pushed the No Secret Police Act after a series of immigration raids across Southern California last summer. The measures commonly cited together as SB 627 and SB 805 were intended to limit federal agents’ ability to conceal identities during local operations — reported by L.A. Taco and ABC7.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed the law in September; it took effect Jan. 1, 2026. Supporters described it as a transparency measure to protect residents from what they called secretive tactics. Opponents — including federal officials — contend the law is unconstitutional and interferes with federal operations. The U.S. government has mounted a legal challenge to the law’s constitutionality (ABC7).
Why McDonnell says the LAPD won’t enforce it
Tactical safety concerns: McDonnell said asking one armed agency to stop and cite another armed agency during a raid risks escalation. “From a practical standpoint, our role when we get to a scene is to de-escalate the situation, not to ramp it up,” he warned, saying trying to enforce a misdemeanor against another law enforcement agency “is not going to end well” (Fox News).
Established LAPD policy: McDonnell highlighted that the LAPD has maintained a separation from ICE on immigration enforcement since 1979 to preserve community trust and encourage crime reporting by immigrants (Fox 11 Los Angeles).
Legal considerations: He referenced a court stay and a stipulated agreement under review, signaling uncertainty about how the law should be applied while litigation proceeds (Fox 11 Los Angeles).
Ongoing federal partnerships: McDonnell emphasized the department will continue to work with federal partners on non-immigration matters — human trafficking, terrorism, and other crimes — and said the line between immigration enforcement and other joint investigations is respected (Fox 11 Los Angeles).
Responses from lawmakers and advocates
State lawmakers: Some legislators pushed back. State Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez, a co-author of the mask ban, said “a police chief does not get to pick and choose which laws will be enforced and which will be ignored,” criticizing McDonnell’s stance (The La Local).
Advocates and critics: Civil libertarians and immigrant-rights groups are split: some praise the law for transparency; others warn it may endanger agents or witnesses. ICE agents and supporters argue masks prevent doxxing and threats, while critics say masks can hide identities of agents operating in civilian clothing (Fox News).
Legal status and what’s next
The law’s enforcement is currently in flux. Courts are examining its constitutionality and the U.S. government argues states cannot regulate federal law enforcement actions under the Supremacy Clause. Federal litigation could produce an injunction or a protracted fight that decides whether California can enforce the measure at all (ABC7).
Experts note that while state and local police can set rules about conduct on state land and in certain circumstances, limits apply when a law directly regulates federal officers performing federal duties. McDonnell’s operational stance — avoiding direct clashes at active scenes — reflects both safety concerns and legal uncertainty (Fox 11 Los Angeles; Fox News).
Context on ICE identity protection
Agent safety vs. accountability: Federal agents argue protective measures like masks or balaclavas are necessary to shield officers and families from targeting. Some agents also use cover identities in sensitive investigations to protect operations. Critics counter that masking reduces accountability and can cause fear or confusion when agents operate in plain clothes (Fox News).
Implications for Sonoma, California
Economic impact: Sonoma’s economy depends on agriculture and tourism; many farms, vineyards and service businesses employ immigrant workers. If residents fear contact with law enforcement, businesses could face labor shortages, reduced cooperation in workplace safety probes, and strains on emergency services.
Political consequences: Local officials will face pressure from immigrant communities and voters concerned about law enforcement. The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office and municipal police policies may shape local politics, especially in neighborhoods with high immigrant populations.
Social and cultural effects: Trust between immigrant families and local police is central to safety. Local agencies that avoid operational clashes while limiting collaboration with ICE may preserve trust and reporting; mixed messages could lead to fear and underreporting.
Practical applications: Agencies should train officers on responses when federal agents are present, coordinate with county counsel on state vs. federal enforcement questions, and update public messaging so residents and businesses know where to get help. Emergency dispatch centers may revise protocols to avoid on‑scene escalation.
What local leaders can do now
Recommended actions: Sonoma officials should review cooperation policies with federal immigration authorities, communicate clearly with immigrant communities about safety and reporting, consult legal counsel on obligations under state law and federal court orders, and conduct multilingual outreach to reduce confusion during the legal dispute over the No Secret Police Act.
Reporting notes and sources
This report draws on public statements and reporting from local and national outlets, including Fox News, Fox 11 Los Angeles, L.A. Taco, ABC7, and The La Local. All original facts, information, and URLs have been preserved.
