ICE protests could cause slower LAPD response times

Los Angeles cops are being yanked off neighborhood beats and sent downtown — setting the stage for slower response times across the city as massive protests ramp up.

The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed it is redeploying 120 officers, 12 sergeants and two lieutenants to handle “ICE Out of Everywhere” demonstrations centered around City Hall, beginning Friday afternoon.

The move siphons patrol officers from neighborhoods across the city, and LAPD officials concede it could mean slower responses to routine 911 and non-emergency calls as fewer cops remain on the streets.

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The department is already operating under strain. City data shows LAPD is hundreds of officers below its long-standing staffing target, with roughly 8,600 to 8,700 sworn officers currently on the force — well short of about 9,500 the department has historically aimed to maintain.

During past large-scale protest deployments, city call-for-service data showed noticeable slowdowns and drops in reported calls. Police officials and analysts have said the pattern likely reflects officers being reassigned to crowd control and residents delaying calls as response times stretch.

Friday’s demonstrations are part of a nationwide movement tied to deadly incidents and growing backlash over federal immigration enforcement tactics in Minneapolis. Organizers say the protests are intended to honor people who died in federal custody and demand an end to immigration raids.

LA has already seen early protest activity. More than 1,000 UCLA students walked out of class this week, with additional demonstrations at Cal State Long Beach. Organizers say more walkouts and rallies are planned throughout February.

LAPD leadership says the redeployments are necessary to maintain order during major demonstrations.