LA could see more Border Patrol agents soon, sector chief says
Los Angeles may be the next hotspot for expanded federal enforcement, as Border Patrol leadership signals a possible uptick in agents here. Gregory Bovino, chief of the El Centro Sector, told KMEX-TV that the region already hosts more than 40 law enforcement teams, including Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and that additional personnel could be arriving within days. He stressed that the agency’s core aim remains safer communities and a safer America.
Bovino outlined that enforcement in Los Angeles targets immigration law violators, with an emphasis on areas where officers are likely to encounter potential suspects. He named neighborhoods across the city, from Compton and Brentwood to Hollywood and downtown, and even large retailers, noting that when they identify a contact with an illegal alien, arrests follow under the law. He also acknowledged that investigators may come across associates or nearby individuals during operations.
The prospect of intensified tactics has drawn scrutiny from human rights groups and immigration advocates, who question certain practices. Critics point to the use of plainclothes operations and face coverings, arguing that such approaches can blur accountability and raise civil liberties concerns. Bovino defended the methods, explaining that undercover-style deployments are sometimes necessary to carry out multiple missions and ensure mission success, much like other police agencies operate when pursuing targets.
The broader political landscape intersecting with border policy was also on display this week. President Trump, speaking at a cabinet meeting, defended his crime crackdown and asserted that stopping crime is central to his leadership, denying that he is a dictator. He also signaled openness to deploying the National Guard to cities that request federal help, a stance that drew skepticism from Democratic leaders. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker criticized the approach as an attempt to intimidate Democratic-run cities and states. In interviews and briefings, questions surfaced about whether Trump would extend such measures to red states, with the president indicating there could be exceptions where crime is high, though he noted there aren’t many such places.
Overall, the report highlights a potential expansion of federal presence in Los Angeles amid a national debate over how best to balance public safety with civil liberties, and it underscores residents’ interest in how these policies will affect everyday life, policing practices, and local governance. As the situation develops, officials and watchdog groups alike will be watching closely for transparency, accountability, and results. If you’re in Los Angeles, stay tuned for updates from local outlets and city officials about any changes to operations and safety measures.