Nithya Raman Criticizes LAPD Chief McDonnell's Handling of ICE Raids

Los Angeles mayoral candidate Nithya Raman has pledged to dismiss LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell if elected, a stance that departs from her earlier support for his appointment. McDonnell, who took office in November 2024, has been credited with overseeing a significant drop in crime, with homicides reaching their lowest point since 1966.

Raman has criticized McDonnell's response to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, stating that his actions "have not met the moment." This criticism comes despite McDonnell's efforts to balance city and federal priorities during a period of heightened immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump. As a "sanctuary" city, Los Angeles had restrictions on cooperation with ICE, and McDonnell navigated these constraints while also refusing to allow the LAPD to engage directly in immigration enforcement. He also reportedly pushed back against the Trump administration's suggestion to deploy the National Guard to Los Angeles.

Raman's earlier position in favor of McDonnell's appointment was noted, as she joined the majority of the City Council in approving him, a decision that drew criticism from her own Democratic Socialists of America chapter. The current mayoral candidate reportedly commented on her attendance at social events during the ICE raids, a detail that her critics suggest contradicts her present stance on the issue.

McDonnell's tenure has been marked by efforts to manage the LAPD through periods of significant social unrest, including the George Floyd riots and a subsequent crime wave, exacerbated by staffing shortages due to vaccine mandates. Despite national crime trends also showing a decrease, McDonnell's leadership is seen by supporters as having successfully navigated these complex challenges. Raman's pledge to fire him is described by critics as an "out of touch" campaign promise that could potentially undermine police morale.