LOS ANGELES — The newly appointed chief of the Los Angeles Police Department has announced efforts to collaborate with consulates from Mexico and other Central American nations to devise a strategy aimed at safeguarding immigrants amid anticipated mass deportation measures from the Trump administration.
 

 
In a recent discussion, Jim McDonnell emphasized that his leadership will focus heavily on community involvement. He asserted that the entire society must engage in the criminal justice sphere to establish a secure living environment. With a long history in law enforcement and prior experience as a sheriff, McDonnell was appointed by Mayor Karen Bass in October and officially took on his role last month.
 

 
McDonnell reaffirmed the department’s longstanding policy, known as Special Order 40, which has been in effect for 45 years, stating that the LAPD does not detain individuals based on their immigration status and does not enforce immigration laws. He highlighted that such measures would undermine the fundamental mission of the LAPD, which is to foster public trust that encourages community members to report crimes or provide information as witnesses.
 

 
To address immigrant concerns directly, the LAPD plans to collaborate with consulates to create and distribute informational videos that elucidate their policies and outreach efforts.
 

 
Previously, during the Trump presidency, the U.S. Justice Department sought to enforce conditions on federal funding, targeting sanctuary cities that opted out of immigration enforcement cooperation. McDonnell acknowledged the stakes involved, revealing that a substantial portion of the LAPD’s budget is dedicated to personnel costs, and that the department often depends on grants for equipment and tools. He expressed intentions to partner with organizations such as the Major Cities Chiefs Association to represent law enforcement’s interests to the Trump administration.
 

 
Additionally, McDonnell aims to enhance engagement with immigrant populations, as well as communities typically hesitant to interact with law enforcement. He plans to pursue direct, personal outreach to foster connections and seek assistance. Furthermore, he has committed to increasing the size of the police force from its current strength of just under 9,000 sworn officers to a baseline of 10,000, with aspirations to surpass this figure. Recent recruitment classes have averaged around 30 officers, but McDonnell hopes to elevate that number to 60.
 

 
This expansion is deemed essential due to Los Angeles’ future hosting of significant international events, including the FIFA World Cup in 2026, the Super Bowl in 2027, and the Olympics in 2028.
 

 
An additional measure that could enhance law enforcement capabilities is the recent enactment of Proposition 36, which reinstated certain shoplifting and drug offenses as felonies. McDonnell remarked that this legislative change will primarily impact prosecutors but will also serve to make arrests for these offenses “more meaningful”. This aims to provide greater security to local businesses, ensuring they do not have to shutter their doors and exit the community due to safety concerns.
 

 
“As we progress, we approach our work carefully, maximizing the tools available to us,” McDonnell concluded.