LA County to draft ordinance creating 'ICE-free zones' on county property

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to start drafting an ordinance to bar civil immigration enforcement from county-owned and county-controlled properties, and county counsel has 30 days to return a draft.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion to begin drafting an ordinance that would establish "ICE-free zones" across county-owned and county-controlled properties. Supervisor Lindsey Horvath introduced the measure with Chair Hilda Solis and said it is intended to prevent civil immigration enforcement actions on county property that she said deter people from seeking services. Her office said the proposal was prompted by an October 2025 federal immigration enforcement operation at Deane Dana Friendship Park and Nature Center in San Pedro, which temporarily disrupted public access. The motion directs county counsel to return a draft ordinance to the board within 30 days. Key points: - The Board voted unanimously to begin drafting an ordinance to establish "ICE-free zones" on county-owned and county-controlled properties. - The motion directs county counsel to return a draft ordinance to the Board within 30 days. - County officials said the proposal was prompted by an October 2025 federal enforcement action at Deane Dana Friendship Park and Nature Center in San Pedro that disrupted public access. - The proposed ordinance would bar use of county property for unauthorized civil immigration enforcement and include signage and a permit process, while maintaining allowances for criminal law enforcement and valid judicial warrants. - First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli responded that federal agents may use public spaces as necessary to enforce federal law and warned that impeding agents could lead to arrests. Summary: If approved by the Board, the ordinance would restrict the use of county-owned and county-controlled properties for civil immigration enforcement; the specific legal effects would depend on the final draft and any subsequent actions. County counsel is expected to present a draft to the Board within 30 days. Differing views from county officials and federal prosecutors indicate potential legal and procedural debates ahead.