Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has signed Directive 17 to protect residents from immigration raids by the ICE by limiting federal use of city properties.
Karen Bass, the mayor of Los Angeles, has implemented a new policy known as Directive 17, aimed at protecting the city's immigrant residents from federal immigration enforcement actions, particularly those conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The directive, signed on February 10, prohibits federal agents from using city properties as operational bases during immigration operations. This move comes in response to increasing federal immigration activity observed in Los Angeles since June 2025, which has raised concerns among residents about their vulnerabilities.
The essence of Directive 17 is to strengthen protections against potential immigration raids and to create a safer environment for non-documented residents. By restricting ICE's access to public facilities, the directive also intends to discourage collaboration between city entities and federal immigration enforcement. The measure is a significant step in reaffirming Los Angeles as a sanctuary city, where the rights of immigrants are actively endorsed and protected. It reflects the municipal government's commitment to the well-being of all its residents, regardless of their immigration status.
As this legal shield takes effect, it raises important questions about the future of immigration enforcement in urban areas and the balance between federal authority and local governance. This initiative not only influences immigration policy but also impacts the community's trust in city officials and law enforcement. By promoting such protective regulations, Mayor Bass indicates a clear stance against restrictive federal immigration policies, aiming to foster a more inclusive environment for immigrants in Los Angeles.
