Los Angeles, CA Immigration Policy: Sanctuary Policy Preemption (2026)
Key Facts
- Ordinance number
- 184145
- Code section
- LAAC §22.890
- State backstop
- California SB-54
- ICE detainers
- Honored only with judicial warrant
- Status inquiries
- Prohibited during routine contact
Summary
Los Angeles is a sanctuary city under Ordinance 184145 (LAAC §22.890), barring city resources from federal civil immigration enforcement. California SB-54 reinforces the policy statewide and prohibits cooperation absent a judicial warrant.
7284. This chapter shall be known, and may be cited, as the California Values Act. (Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 495, Sec. 3. (SB 54) Effective January 1, 2018.) [Govt Code Sec. 7284.6 prohibits state and local law enforcement agencies from using state or local resources to investigate, interrogate, detain, detect, or arrest persons for immigration enforcement purposes, except as expressly authorized; cities are bound by this statewide "sanctuary state" framework.]
Full Breakdown
Ordinance 184145, codified at LAAC §22.890, prohibits LAPD and other city departments from using personnel, funds, or facilities to enforce federal civil immigration law. Officers may not ask about immigration status during routine contact, hold individuals on ICE detainers without a judicial warrant, or share non-public information for civil immigration purposes. California SB-54 (the Values Act, 2017) imposes parallel statewide limits on state and local agencies. Together the laws mean LA actively maintains sanctuary protections rather than being preempted into them. Federal supremacy still applies for criminal warrants and judicial process.
Violations & Fines
City employees who breach LAAC §22.890 face administrative discipline up to termination. There is no civil penalty for residents; the rule binds the city, not private parties or businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can LAPD ask about my immigration status?
Will LA hold me for ICE pickup after a release?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles to another location·View the California immigration policy overview
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Sanctuary Policy Preemption in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle sanctuary policy preemption.