The LA City Council cast its support Tuesday for allowing local governments to opt out of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Secure Communities program.
A state bill aimed at allowing California to renegotiate its contract with Homeland Security would permit local jurisdictions to decide whether they want to continue to participate in the program. Former LA police chief and current council member Bernard Parks introduced a measure in support of opt-out legisilation.
The council approved Parks' measure Tuesday by an 11-1 vote. In general, the motion means the city supports legislation -- not specifically the California bill -- that would allow local municipalites to opt out.
"I understand the critical importance of fostering positive relationships between community members and law enforcement officials that lead to the sharing of critical information in reporting and solving crimes," Parks said in a letter to the state's governor and attorney general.
The bill passed the Assembly last month. Called the Transparency and Responsibility Using State Tools (TRUST) Act.
Under S-Comm, arrestees' fingerprints are shared with immigration agents. The program was created in 2008.
A report by the city's chief legislative analyst found that nearly 70 percent of people deported under Secure Communities had no convictions or were accused of minor offenses.
LAPD Assistant Chief Michel Moore said the city's Special Order 40 has made the city safer since it was established in 1979 under then-Police Chief Daryl Gates. The order prevents officers from stopping people with the sole intent of an immigration status check.
Moore said other police agencies around the country have abused Secure Communities to target all illegal immigrants.
"The perception alone undermines our ability to maintain and build upon trust with these (immigrant) communities, trust that's vital to our ability to maintain the safety for those communities and all Angelenos,'' he said.
Earlier this week, Gov. Deval Patrick, of Massachusetts, said his state won't participate in the federal program. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has suspended that state's participation in the program. Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has also said Illinois won't participate.
