In Los Angeles, the increase in immigration raids led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the summer of 2025 has generated an unexpected impact: a dramatic drop in calls to the Los Angeles Police Department(LAPD).
Data obtained by The Los Angeles Times shows that, following the start of federal operations in June, requests for help from local police plummeted 28% in just two weeks, which equates to about 1,200 fewer calls per day compared to the same period in 2024. This trend, while partially recovered in July, still shows a 5% drop from last year.
Fear of reporting crimes
Requeste for help to local police plummeted
QuéOnnda.com
The phenomenon is of particular concern to human rights defenders.
Since the crimes most affected by underreporting are domestic violence and family disputes, which fell 7% and 16% respectively in the areas most impacted by the raids.
Victims’ fear of calling the police for fear of deportation is leaving situations of abuse in the shadows.
Even in majority Latino districts, where police have declared themselves “sanctuaries,” distrust persists.
“We will see a fear of law enforcement that will last for generations,” explained Vida Johnson, a Georgetown law professor.
A crisis of public confidence
Buzzy
The LAPD insists that it does not enforce civil immigration laws, but the presence of local officers accompanying federal officers in operations has deepened the perception of complicity.
Organizations such as the Centro Community Service Organization warn that many residents no longer see the police as an ally.
Police leaders have launched community outreach programs, such as Spanish-language citizen academies and meetings with religious leaders, but the effect is limited.
For many immigrants, the image of federal and local agents working together on the streets is enough to raise doubts about their safety.
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