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Long Beach officials say recent police actions were not ICE operations as residents raise alarm
Summary
Long Beach police described two recent incidents — a search-warrant arrest and a barricade removal — as local investigations, not U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations, after residents expressed fear over ICE activity and organizers formed a local task force.
Long Beach police and city leaders told the City Council on July 1 that two recent law‑enforcement events in the city were local investigations and not actions directed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, while community leaders said residents remain fearful and have formed a task force to press the city for answers.
Police Commissioner (name not specified) told the council the department executed a search warrant with the ATF the morning of the meeting and made an arrest, and that a separate June 13 incident required the Nassau County Police Department’s emergency service unit to extricate a barricaded person. The commissioner said, “It was not. It was an ongoing investigation. It's continuing ongoing, so I can't get into too many details, but it wasn't ICE related.”
The commissioner said the department has on two occasions encountered ICE in Long Beach: on one occasion ICE notified local police when agents arrived and requested the city’s assistance to “keep the peace,” and on a later occasion ICE appeared to make an arrest without notifying the city. “ICE is a federal law enforcement agency. The Long Beach Police Department, does not actively embed officers with ICE,” the commissioner said, adding the department will provide emergency assistance if requested.
Helen Dorado Alessi, executive director of the Long Beach Latino Civic Association, told the council the Hispanic community is “on high alert” after the ICE contacts and urged city officials to respond. “Our police department has worked diligently to have a good relationship with the community. It is no longer that for some people. People are afraid to send their children to school, to go shopping, go to the doctors, or to call for emergency help,” Alessi said, describing a fear of deportation that has kept some victims of domestic violence from seeking help.
Council members and city staff said they are aware of the community’s concern and that the police department and administration will engage. City Manager Dan Creighton acknowledged the comments and the council indicated willingness to participate in community conversations; the Latino Civic Association said it has assembled an immigration task force of about 20 local leaders and invited city participation.
Why it matters: Long Beach’s public safety and community‑police relationship depend on clarity about how federal immigration enforcement interacts with local policing. Residents’ fear of contacting emergency services for immigration-related reasons can deter reporting of crimes and impede community safety.
What officials said they will do: The police commissioner urged residents to call 911 in emergencies and said the department will work with community leaders. The Latino Civic Association called for the police commissioner and city leadership to attend the task‑force meetings; Alessi said the group will meet regularly.
Public comments at the meeting included requests that the city communicate clearly about any future ICE presence in Long Beach and that city leaders support affected residents. The council did not adopt a formal policy or vote on a resolution about ICE at this meeting.
Ending: Council members said they would follow up with community leaders and that the police department will continue limited public reporting where possible while active investigations proceed.
