County law enforcement association responds to protests against ICE raids
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Law enforcement leaders in San Diego County issued a statement on Tuesday as civil unrest continues in Los Angeles and other cities, stemming from immigration-related raids conducted by federal agents.
Protesters have clashed with federal agents and law enforcement for the fifth straight day in L.A., influencing a movement in other major cities such as Chicago, Dallas and New York.
Raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have happened locally as well, including on May 30 at Buona Forchetta and its sister restaurant in South Park.
(Above: Immigration enforcement operation at Buona Forchetta in San Diego's South Park neighborhood on May 30, 2025)
Chula Vista Police Chief Roxana Kennedy, in her position as president of the San Diego County Chiefs and Sheriff's Association, issued a statement about the raids and protests on behalf of the organization, which is comprised of other city police chiefs and law enforcement personnel across the county.
The statement said the association is aware of the immigration-related enforcement operations happening across the region and the nation, and it continued to say the departments are committed to 'uphold(ing) justice, preserv(ing) peace and protect(ing) the rights' of the community.
Dozens of people have been arrested in L.A. during the protests. Meanwhile, hundreds of Marines and thousands of National Guard members were deployed under the direction of President Donald Trump, including troops based in San Diego.
National Guard troops directed to LA ICE protests from San Diego: Bonta
'We understand that recent federal immigration actions have prompted strong emotions and public concern,' Chief Kennedy said in her statement.
'While we support the public's right to free speech and lawful protest, we urge that these expressions remain peaceful,' she added.
Local agencies in California, including those represented under the association, do not enforce federal immigration law or question people about their immigration status in accordance with Senate Bill 54, the statement said.
Kennedy's statement also went on to say assaults on law enforcement or acts such as looting, vandalism or arson 'will not be tolerated.'
'Should federal authorities request our assistance due to safety concerns, local law enforcement will respond as necessary to ensure the protection of all involved—officers, agents, and members of the public alike,' the statement read. 'This support is strictly for safety and security purposes and does not reflect participation in immigration enforcement.'
Other agencies that are part of the San Diego County Chiefs and Sheriff's Association include California Highway Patrol, city police departments, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and others.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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