Pasadena Urges Calm Amid Regional ICE Raids and Unrest; City Reaffirms Commitment to Civil Rights

As federal immigration raids and resulting protests roiled Los Angeles, Pasadena officials urged calm on Wednesday following a weekend demonstration at a local hotel.

“We at the City of Pasadena are deeply saddened and concerned by the events that have taken place in the region over the past several days surrounding the federal government’s immigration enforcement activities and the unrest that has taken place in downtown Los Angeles and in other locations.”

The statement comes ahead of planned events in the city. Local leaders are encouraging all events to remain peaceful.

“We are aware of planned gatherings here in Pasadena in the coming days,” the statement said. “We want to assure you that the city respects everyone’s First Amendment right to peaceful protest.?However, anyone taking advantage of these situations to commit crimes in our City will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.?”

The Police Department will be monitoring gatherings to ensure public safety and the protection of property.

Neither the City of Pasadena nor the Pasadena Police Department participate in the enforcement of federal civil immigration laws. Members of the PPD do not ask about an individual’s immigration status when responding to calls for service or when delivering City services.

More than 330 people have been arrested across Los Angeles since U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents carried out sweeping raids last week, prompting days of protest and a military response from the Trump administration.

So far there have been no confirmed raids in Pasadena. Last week it was reported that detainees from the Los Angeles ICE raids were being flown from Hollywood Burbank Airport — a facility jointly operated by Pasadena, Glendale, and Burbank. The city clarified that it does not control federal flight operations or immigration enforcement but acknowledged residents’ concerns.

“Our City remains firmly committed to ensuring that every resident—regardless of immigration status—is treated with dignity and respect. We will continue working to make sure all our neighbors feel safe, supported, and cared for, especially during times of uncertainty.”

City officials also encouraged immigrants and their allies to educate themselves on legal protections available during enforcement actions.

“Know your rights, and share them widely. We encourage residents to visit the L.A. County Office of Immigrant Affairs for reliable information, support networks, and legal hotlines.”

The city’s message comes as state and local leaders continue to clash with federal officials over immigration policy. California Gov. Gavin Newsom denounced the ICE raids as “an assault on California families,” while Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declared a local emergency and instituted a curfew in parts of the city following violent clashes.

In Pasadena, officials say they are working closely with community organizations to ensure transparency and uphold civil liberties during this tense period.

Here is the City’s statement in full:

“We at the City of Pasadena are deeply saddened and concerned by the events that have taken place in the region over the past several days surrounding the federal government’s immigration enforcement activities and the unrest that has taken place in downtown Los Angeles and in other locations. We are aware of planned gatherings here in Pasadena in the coming days. We want to assure you that the city respects everyone’s First Amendment right to peaceful protest.?However, anyone taking advantage of these situations to commit crimes in our City will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.?The Police Department will be monitoring these gatherings solely for the purpose of ensuring public safety and the protection of property. If you see any suspicious activity, please report it to the Pasadena Police Department at 626-744-4241.

Neither the City of Pasadena or the Pasadena Police Department participate in the enforcement of federal civil immigration laws, nor do we ask about an individual’s immigration status when responding to calls for service or when delivering City services. Immigration enforcement is the responsibility of the federal government, not state or local governments. Our focus and priority will remain on enforcing state and local laws to ensure the safety and well-being of our diverse community.

We recognize that recent events have caused fear, anxiety, and concern within our community. We urge everyone to remain calm and peaceful as we continue to place the community’s safety and wellbeing at the forefront of our efforts. As Mayor Gordo said, “Our City remains firmly committed to ensuring that every resident—regardless of immigration status—is treated with dignity and respect. We will continue working to make sure all our neighbors feel safe, supported, and cared for, especially during times of uncertainty.”

Know Your Rights. Please visit LA County’s Office of Immigrant Affairs for links to local and national immigration support organizations and hotlines and share them with anyone who needs them.”