LOS ANGELES – In an apparent historic upset in the 2018 midterm election, incumbent Sheriff Jim McDonnell, who aligned himself closely to Trump’s deportation policies, lost to retired LASD Lieutenant Alex Villanueva. The new incoming sheriff has vowed to completely cut ties with ICE and protect LA residents from federal overreach.
Pablo Alvarado, Executive Director of NDLON, issued the following statement:
L.A. has a new sheriff because the old one was working too closely with ICE. Sheriff McDonnell aligned himself with the Trump Administration in opposing the California Values Act (SB 54, de León), and he paid a price in this election. By capitulating to Trump’s fear tactics, McDonnell endangered the community he was sworn to serve, and he did tremendous damage to the reputation of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department by creating distrust with the community. In order to repair the damage, Alex Villanueva must make good on his campaign pledge to fully kick ICE out of Los Angeles.
Community, faith, immigrant and civil rights organizations have long been critical of McDonnell’s immigration policies. Last month, more than 30 groups presented this Open Letter RE LASD immigration Policy to the L.A. Board of Supervisors outlining concerns over Sheriff McDonnell’s continued entanglement with ICE.
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NDLON improves the lives of day laborers in the United States. To this end, NDLON works to unify and strengthen its member organizations to be more strategic and effective in their efforts to develop leadership, mobilize, and organize day laborers in order to protect and expand their civil, labor and human rights. NDLON fosters safer, more humane environments for day laborers, both men and women, to earn a living, contribute to society, and integrate into the community.
