The City of Glendale announced on Sunday that it has terminated its long-standing agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to hold federal immigration detainees in the city’s police department facility. The decision, which the city insists is not politically motivated, comes as public perception of the contract has become increasingly divisive.
In a statement released Sunday evening, the city said the move is “rooted in what this City stands for—public safety, local accountability, and trust.”
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Since 2007, the Glendale Police Department has had a contract with ICE to temporarily house detainees. City officials have maintained that their facility is highly regulated and provides a higher standard of care than many other detention centers, offering detainees access to clean accommodations, medical care, and legal counsel in close proximity to their families.
However, the contract has drawn significant criticism from immigration advocates and community members. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Southern California has been a vocal opponent, arguing that the agreement effectively aided federal deportation efforts.
The city’s announcement acknowledged the growing controversy, stating, “the City recognizes that public perception of the ICE contract—no matter how limited or carefully managed, no matter the good—has become divisive.”
While the city’s press release did not explicitly mention them, the decision follows recent protests in neighboring Los Angeles against ICE activities.
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Glendale officials expressed regret that the termination might create difficulties for families visiting loved ones and could limit detainees’ access to legal resources. They also emphasized that the Glendale Police Department does not and will not enforce immigration law, and that the city remains in full compliance with California’s Senate Bill 54, the “Sanctuary State” law.
“The Glendale Police Department is trusted and supported by the residents and businesses, and in turn, our officers work every day to protect and serve with professionalism and care,” the city’s statement read. “At this time, it is in our best interest to not allow that trust to be undermined.”
The facility will now be used exclusively for local law enforcement purposes. The City Manager made the final decision to end the contract after a thorough evaluation of legal, operational, and community factors.
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