Glendale caved to riot threats, ending its ICE contract to appease illegal immigration supporters while claiming it’s for “community trust” and not political appeasement.
Key Takeaways
- Glendale, California terminated its 18-year contract with ICE amid violent protests in neighboring Los Angeles, prioritizing “public perception” over immigration enforcement.
- The decision came after rioters in Los Angeles set vehicles on fire, vandalized businesses, and forced the deployment of 300 National Guard troops to protect federal properties.
- Despite claiming the decision wasn’t political, Glendale officials cited “divisive” public perception as the primary reason for ending the contract that had provided regulated facilities with proper care for detainees since 2007.
- The city emphasized compliance with California’s sanctuary state law (SB 54), effectively signaling its unwillingness to assist federal immigration authorities during the Trump administration.
Surrendering to Mob Pressure
Glendale officials announced the termination of their longstanding ICE contract just as violent immigration protests in neighboring Los Angeles began to subside. The city had maintained the agreement since 2007, providing temporary holding facilities for immigration detainees, but claimed the decision to end the partnership was based on maintaining community trust rather than responding to political pressure. The timing, however, coinciding with riots that required National Guard deployment, suggests the move was primarily motivated by fear of similar violence spreading to Glendale.
“Despite the transparency and safeguards the city has upheld, the city recognizes that public perception of the ICE contract — no matter how limited or carefully managed, no matter the good — has become divisive,” said a Glendale city.
🚨NEW: The City of Glendale, CA announces amid the anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles that it will no longer work with ICE to house immigration detainees.
“This local decision reflects our core values: public safety, transparency and community trust.” pic.twitter.com/bmP6MngJD2
— Off The Press (@OffThePress1) June 9, 2025
Violent Protests Force Government Retreat
The decision follows days of violent protests in Los Angeles where demonstrators attempted to obstruct ICE deportation operations. The protests quickly devolved into riots, with businesses suffering broken windows, looting, and extensive property damage. Several Waymo autonomous vehicles were set ablaze, and demonstrators even blocked portions of the 101 Freeway. Law enforcement reported dozens of arrests across the region, with officers sustaining injuries in both Los Angeles and San Francisco when the unrest spread northward.
“While many left the scene, several individuals remained and continued engaging in illegal activity. Two officers suffered non-life-threatening injuries and one was transported to a local hospital for further medical assistance,” stated the San Francisco Police Department.
Sanctuary Politics Over Federal Enforcement
Glendale’s cancellation of the ICE contract signals a clear political alignment with California’s sanctuary state policies. While insisting the decision wasn’t politically motivated, city officials emphasized their compliance with SB 54, the state law that restricts local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The city’s statement reveals a capitulation to activist pressure despite having provided what they described as humane facilities with proper medical care, family visitation rights, and legal counsel for detainees during the 18-year partnership.
“After careful consideration, the City of Glendale has decided to end its agreement with U.S. Homeland Security/ICE to house federal immigration detainees. This local decision reflects our core values: public safety, transparency, and community trust,” said the City of Glendale.
Political Actors Fan Tensions
The drama in Southern California has been further inflamed by political posturing from state leaders. California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized President Trump’s decision to deploy National Guard troops to protect federal properties in Los Angeles, framing it as federal overreach rather than necessary protection of government facilities under attack by rioters. Meanwhile, left-wing activists have been celebrating Glendale’s decision as a victory against what they characterize as the Trump administration’s enforcement of existing immigration laws.
“We didn’t have a problem until Trump got involved. This is a serious breach of state sovereignty – inflaming tensions while pulling resources from where they’re actually needed,” said Gavin Newsom.
The situation demonstrates a troubling pattern: violent protests leading to government capitulation on immigration enforcement. While Glendale claims to prioritize public safety and community trust, its decision effectively rewards those who threatened disruption and violence. The pattern of retreating from federal immigration cooperation whenever facing activist pressure undermines the rule of law and encourages further disruptive tactics from those opposed to immigration enforcement.
