Two individuals who were released from the LA County Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station were immediately re-arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the public parking lot outside the building. The Sheriff’s Department distanced itself, stating it had no involvement in the operation.
ICE Agents Conduct Operation Outside Sheriff’s Station
The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Department announced that ICE agents detained two people in the public parking lot outside the sheriff’s station on the morning of the 5th. It was reported that the two individuals were taken into custody by federal agents right after being released from sheriff’s custody.
The Sheriff’s Department stated, “We were not given prior notice of the ICE activities, and federal agents did not use the Sheriff’s Department’s secure areas or internal facilities to prepare for or initiate their operation.”
LA County Sheriff’s Stance on Immigration Enforcement
The LA County Sheriff’s Department reaffirmed its existing policy of not participating in civil immigration law enforcement. The department explained that deputies do not enforce civil immigration violations or inquire about an individual’s immigration status when responding to calls for service.
The Sheriff’s Department emphasized, “Our top priority is enforcing state and local laws and protecting the safety of diverse communities throughout LA County.”
Details of the Detainees Withheld
Specific reasons why the two arrested individuals were originally in the Sheriff’s Department’s custody, why they were released, and the exact grounds for ICE’s re-detention have not been disclosed. ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had not issued additional explanations at the time.
