SANTA MONICA—On July 23, at 2:55 p.m., the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) announced the federal immigration arrest outside the Santa Monica Public Safety Facility.
Photo Credit: Ranier Bleek
“Earlier this morning, SMPD officers arrested an adult male on suspicion of vehicle burglary and possession of burglary tools. He was processed, cited on those charges, and released from SMPD custody. After his release was complete, federal authorities independently took the individual into custody. SMPD officers did not participate in or assist with the federal arrest. There was no coordinated handoff between SMPD and federal authorities,” The SMPD said in a statement. “[The] SMPD does not participate in civil immigration enforcement operations.”
On February 5, 2025, Chief Darrick Jacobs issued the following statement:
…”Consistent with long-standing Santa Monica policy and California law, including Senate Bill 54 (California Law SB54 / The California Values Act (2017) and Title 8 of the United States code, the Santa Monica Police Department does not participate in civil immigration enforcement. We do not conduct immigration sweeps, raids, or detentions based solely on a person’s immigration status, nor do we independently enforce federal immigration laws. Those responsibilities rest with federal authorities.
Public safety depends on trust between the community and law enforcement. When people feel safe contacting the police — whether as victims, witnesses, or individuals seeking help — crimes are reported, investigations move forward, and our city is safer for everyone. Fear of immigration consequences should never prevent someone from calling for help or cooperating with the Santa Monica Police Department.
Let me be clear. While SMPD does not enforce federal immigration laws, we do enforce criminal laws fairly and consistently, without regard to immigration status. Accountability for criminal behavior is essential to public safety, and no one should interpret our policies as tolerance for crime.”
Reports indicate that there is no tracking of the crimes committed by undocumented individuals in California during 2025, as state agencies do not record or report the immigration status of those arrested by local offices.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security reported that there were 4,561 criminal aliens or undocumented individuals who committed crimes on U.S. soil released from California jails rather than turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agents.
Criminology reports such as those distributed by CATO Institute, reflect that the undocumented population has a lower incarceration rate than U.S. born citizens, and that is due to data limitations imposed by sanctuary cities that do not report the arrests/detention of those who have entered the U.S. illegally.
More information on Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Most wanted fugitives is available online. Some individuals were previously captured and released in the state of California.
By Sharon