White House Responds to California City Terminating Contract With ICE

Newsweek

10-06-2025

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has criticized a Californian city after it terminated its contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) amid protests against deportation policies.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Newsweek that the City of Glendale's decision was "deeply disturbing," and accused state officials of siding with criminals over public safety after unrest in Los Angeles.
Why It Matters
The Trump administration plans to send 2,000 more National Guard troops to Los Angeles in response to protests over immigration policy, adding to the 2,000 already in place and the 700 Marines deployed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom's office told Newsweek that only about 300 of the original Guard troops have been deployed so far. His administration has filed a lawsuit challenging the deployment as unlawful.
The move follows a weekend of unrest tied to opposition to President Donald Trump's mass deportation policy, with reports of arson and looting in downtown Los Angeles and 42 arrests.
What To Know
On Sunday, the City of Glendale in Los Angeles County said that it was ending an agreement with the DHS and ICE that had allowed detainees to be held at the Glendale Police Department, where they had access to virtual and in-person visits. A press release issued by city officials said the decision was "not made lightly."
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Newsweek: "It is deeply disturbing that sanctuary politicians in Glendale, California, would terminate an agreement to hold ICE detainees and violent criminals—which the city has had with DHS for more than 15 years—just as violent rioters are destroying Los Angeles and assaulting federal law enforcement."
City officials recognized the change could make family visits harder and noted that access to legal counsel may be more limited at other facilities. The facility will now be used exclusively by local law enforcement.
"Glendale's politicians stand with criminal illegal aliens, including gang members, rapists, and murderers over American citizens," McLaughlin added.
"[Homeland Security] Secretary [Kristi] Noem has a clear message for the LA rioters and sanctuary politicians: You will not stop us or slow us down. ICE will continue to enforce the law."
City officials clarified that the Glendale Police Department does not enforce immigration laws and remains in compliance with the "California Values Act."
The legislation prevents state and local law enforcement agencies from using their resources on behalf of federal immigration enforcement agencies.
Wide-scale protests broke out in Los Angeles on Saturday after ICE carried out multiple raids across the city, as part what the Trump administration has called the largest mass deportation operation in U.S. history.
While the raids are conducted under federal law, protests flared up following reports that detainees were being held in the basement of a federal building. ICE has denied the allegation.
Trump and Newsom remain in a war of words over the federal response to the protests. Trump deployed the National Guard to quell what he called a "rebellion."
Newsom has opposed this move, saying that it infringes upon California's sovereignty and violates constitutional provisions. He filed a lawsuit challenging the federalization of the National Guard, asserting that the deployment was both unlawful and politically motivated.
Trump has backed calls from his top immigration adviser, Tom Homan, that Newsom should be arrested. "I would do it, if I were Tom," Trump said. "It would be great."
Newsom dared the administration to arrest him.
What People Are Saying
The City of Glendale said in a press release: "Nevertheless, despite the transparency and safeguards the city has upheld, the city recognizes that public perception of the ICE contract—no matter how limited or carefully managed, no matter the good—has become divisive."
California Governor Gavin Newsom said in a post on X on Monday, "The President of the United States just called for the arrest of a sitting Governor. This is a day I hoped I would never see in America. I don't care if you're a Democrat or a Republican this is a line we cannot cross as a nation — this is an unmistakable step toward authoritarianism."
What Happens Next
California Democrats are urging the Trump administration to pull back the National Guard and return control to the state. Nationwide protests against federal immigration enforcement are expected to take place.