CITY OF HAWTHORNE’S OFFICIAL STATEMENT REGARDING THE RECENT ICE AND BORDER PATROL OPERATIONS
Recently, the City of Hawthorne has experienced ICE and Border Patrol operations within our community. Community members have been understandably upset over the operations, particularly when federal agents wear masks, do not present law enforcement credentials, or utilize vehicles that are not clearly identifiable. As a result, those being detained, as well as witnesses to the detentions, have been unable to determine if those involved have been legitimate federal officers, or potential imposters. These activities negatively impact our local economy and create fear, anger and suspicions among community members.
As such, the City of Hawthorne expresses the following official positions:
- The City of Hawthorne supports and stands by its immigrant population.
- As with all state and local law enforcement agencies, the Hawthorne Police Department strictly complies with California State law as provided in Senate Bill 54 and Assembly Bill 2792. The Hawthorne Police Department does not participate in, nor does it assist with, the enforcement of civil immigration laws by federal agencies.
- The City of Hawthorne and its police department do not receive advance notice of federal immigration enforcement actions.
- The City of Hawthorne does not contract with the federal government for immigration enforcement.
- Hawthorne does not have a contractual obligation to hold ICE or Border Patrol detainees in the City jail. The Hawthorne Police Department has declined to temporarily house individuals detained for civil immigration violations by federal authorities.
- The City of Hawthorne fully supports those exercising their First Amendment rights by speaking, protesting and expressing their views on any and all issues, so long as it is done peacefully and lawfully.
- The City of Hawthorne advises the public when witnessing a federal immigration enforcement action, to keep their distance from the activity and not to interfere. Call 911 and allow our local police to respond and evaluate the situation. Hawthorne police officers will do what they legally can to keep the peace during these difficult encounters.
- The City of Hawthorne has “Know Your Rights” reference cards available for distribution to the public. Contact the Hawthorne City Clerk’s Office for more information, or visit the Los Angeles County Office of Immigrant Affairs at
- The City of Hawthorne has previously established a resource page, and we encourage our residents to monitor this page to stay informed. The page can be located at
This is a difficult time for everyone. The Hawthorne City Council stands in solidarity with the whole of our City population. Our obligation will always be to provide for the safety and security of ALL our residents, businesses, and visitors.
