ICE Expansion During Hispanic Heritage Month Sparks Backlash

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As President Donald Trump threatens to deploy National Guard troops to cities like Chicago and Baltimore, Eyewitness News is learning more about the U.S. Border Patrol’s possible plans to expand operations in Los Angeles, just as Fiestas Patrias (Fiestas Patrias) approaches.

September is a month honoring the country’s Hispanic heritage. Latino communities come together to celebrate traditional celebrations from their countries of origin, festive ceremonies like El Grito de la Independencia Mexicana (The Cry of Mexican Independence), and national parades and festivals. This year, a massive presence of ICE agents will be added.

Border Patrol El Centro Sector’s Chief Gregory Bovino spoke with KMEX-TV about the current operations in Southern California, saying there are more than 40 law enforcement teams—like Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement—spread across L.A.

He said there could be more agents on the way.

“I would see more Border Patrol agents coming here into Los Angeles pretty quickly, like within the next week,” said Bovino, who stressed the agency’s main objective has always been “safer communities” and “a safer America.”

“As we look at immigration laws, and immigration law violators here in L.A., one of the things that we note is as we target individuals in areas… that targeting is something that we rely on to get into those areas to be where we’re at in L.A.,” Bovino said. “Whether it’s Compton or Brentwood or Hollywood or downtown Los Angeles or at a big box store. Those targets are definite, and we know often times who we’re going after, why we’re going after them, and what their criminal history is. There may be other individuals associated or nearby, and if we run into contacts with an illegal alien, they’re going to be arrested because that is the law.” Human rights groups and immigration advocates continue to raise concerns over tactics used by federal agents during their operations.

During Monday’s interview, Bovino discussed agents not wearing uniforms during operations and the use of face masks.

“We have a multitude of law enforcement missions to carry out,” he said. “Our functions here in Los Angeles and nationwide, whether it’s on the border or here in Los Angeles, you see that exact same thing.”