City Committee Will Hear Police Report on Recent Immigration-Related Activity

The Pasadena Police Department is scheduled to present an informational update on immigration-related activity in the city when the Public Safety Committee meets Wednesday.

The presentation, set to be delivered by Commander Marcia Taglioretti of the Criminal Investigations Division, will provide an overview of calls for service related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, notifications received from ICE, and the frequency and operational impact of that activity.

According to information in advance of the meeting, the Pasadena Police Department received eight ICE-related calls for service between January 2025 and March 2026, representing approximately 0.006% of the 127,421 total calls for service into the Department during that timeframe.

The department also received four ICE notifications via the watch commander or dispatch during the same period.

The eight calls for service fell into six categories: three patrol advisements, one extra service call, one suspicious person report, one suspicious circumstances call, one outside assist, and one miscellaneous misdemeanor. The four ICE notifications were received on June 12, June 15, Jan. 7, and March 27, and were advisory in nature only, with no tasking of local units. The notifications supported situational awareness and safety, according to the report.

The nature of the calls included reports of ICE presence, such as agents conducting surveillance or arriving at locations where protests occurred.

Other calls involved requests to verify reported ICE activity, including reports of individuals claiming to be ICE or community members seeking clarification about observed federal activity. Additional calls related to community reassurance and safety concerns, including protesters following or blocking ICE vehicles, or unsafe driving linked to perceived immigration activity.

The presentation states that officers provided information and ensured scene safety, but that no local immigration enforcement occurred.

The presentation also notes that the department’s approach is guided by the principle that it enforces local and state criminal laws, not federal civil immigration law. The department stresses that it prioritizes community trust and safety for all residents, and that ICE operations occur independently, with the department’s role limited to situational awareness to keep the public and officers safe.

The presentation further details the department’s policies under Lexipol Policy 428.6, which requires officers to activate body-worn cameras when on scene and during interactions with ICE agents. When ICE requests assistance, a supervisor or watch commander is required to respond, officers must attempt to identify and contact the ICE supervisor or senior agent on scene, and responding officers must determine the nature of the request. Officers are prohibited from participating in immigration enforcement activities but are directed not to impede lawful federal operations. Officers may take reasonable actions within their authority to maintain order, and a police or incident report must be completed documenting officers’ actions.

An accompanying Chief’s Bulletin dated April 2, issued by Chief of Police Gene Harris, directs all Pasadena Police Department personnel to follow an updated immigration policy for responding to calls involving ICE or other federal immigration activities.

The bulletin states that personnel must remain neutral, prioritize safety, respect the rights of all individuals, and not interfere with lawful federal operations. Personnel are prohibited from engaging in immigration enforcement activities, including investigating, detaining, or arresting individuals solely for federal immigration violations, although they may take appropriate enforcement action in response to criminal behavior unrelated to immigration enforcement.

The presentation concludes that ICE activity has been low and infrequent, with minimal impact on operations, and that the department remains committed to safety and trust. Future reports to the Public Safety Committee on this topic are expected to be provided monthly.

The Public Safety Committee is scheduled to meet at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15, in the Council Chamber, Room S249, Pasadena City Hall, 100 North Garfield Ave., in Pasadena. For more information call (626) 744-7311 or visit https://www.cityofpasadena.net/commissions/agendas/.