LAPD tells officers to ‘keep the peace' when called to ICE arrests and confrontations

The instructions were issued in recent days following numerous citizen reports of “attempted kidnappings,” when federal agents often wearing face coverings attempt to detain people.

New guidelines direct LAPD officers dispatched to reports of federal immigration enforcement incidents to keep the peace, try to verify the identities of people making arrests, and document the events on body-worn video if those claiming to be federal agents refuse to cooperate.

The instructions were issued in recent days following numerous citizen reports of “attempted kidnappings,” when federal agents, who are often wearing face coverings, dressed in street clothes and driving unmarked vehicles, attempt to detain people on the street or in businesses.

“In some cases, agents have reportedly refused to identify themselves, resulting in confusion, calls for service, and tensions between the public and law enforcement,” the notice to officers said, according to law enforcement contacts.

The new directive said officers should only take actions to safeguard lives and property, and remain separated from immigration actions.

It said officers should try to de-escalate tensions at scenes, provide clear information to any community members present and take crime reports for kidnapping or false imprisonment if agents “have failed to identify themselves after a verification attempt.”