In a bold move, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is seeking federal permission to arm DACA recipients. This request follows the graduation of the first class of undocumented immigrant police cadets set to start active duty in 2024.
In 2022, a California law paved the way for DACA recipients to become police officers. However, the legislation did not extend to allowing these individuals to carry firearms, given their status as non-legal citizens. The LAPD's latest request challenges this limitation, seeking a policy change at the federal level.
The inaugural class of nine undocumented immigrant police cadets, slated for active duty in 2024, is at the heart of this issue. The LAPD argues that these individuals, despite their undocumented status, contribute to society in various responsible ways, including paying taxes and working. As such, the department sees the arming of these officers as a natural progression of their responsibilities.
Los Angeles Police Chief Michael Moore has been vocal about the department's position. He emphasizes the LAPD's efforts in collaborating with both state and federal justice departments. Moore's stance reflects a broader view of the potential role of DACA recipients in law enforcement.
The proposal has stirred up a mix of opinions. Some see it as a practical solution to integrating DACA recipients into the fabric of American society more fully. Others view it with caution, wary of the implications of arming non-citizens.
Senator Dick Durbin's recent proposal to recruit undocumented immigrants into the U.S. military adds another layer to this debate. His suggestion, aimed at addressing recruitment shortages, mirrors the LAPD's approach to law enforcement. Both initiatives represent a shift in how undocumented individuals could contribute to national security and public safety.
The Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners has already approved a policy on how to legally arm DACA-recipient police officers. This move shows local support for the initiative, though it still requires federal approval to come into effect.
Senator Durbin, who once faced controversy for referring to U.S. soldiers as "Nazis" in 2005, has apologized for his remarks. He now advocates for allowing undocumented individuals to serve in the military. This parallels the LAPD's aim to equip DACA recipients with the means to fully perform their duties as police officers.
The initiative by the LAPD raises significant questions about the roles and rights of DACA recipients in American society. It reflects a growing dialogue about the contributions of undocumented immigrants to the United States, extending beyond traditional boundaries.
The LAPD's request to the Department of Justice (DOJ) marks a significant step in this ongoing discussion. Chief Moore's statement highlights the department's intent to develop a model policy that aligns with current immigration and legal standards in the U.S.
"We’ve worked closely with the Department of Justice at the state and federal level to express the fact that we desire to form a model policy that we think meets this moment and is the state of the law and provisions of immigration policy in the United States," said LAPD Chief Michael Moore.
If approved, the LAPD proposal could set a precedent for how DACA recipients are integrated into various sectors of public service. It underscores the evolving nature of immigration policy and its practical implications in areas like law enforcement and national security.
As the first class of undocumented immigrant LAPD cadets prepares to embark on their duties, the debate over their arming becomes increasingly pertinent. It is a topic that balances on the fine line between security, legality, and the broader narrative of immigration in America.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is seeking federal permission to arm DACA recipients following the graduation of its first class of undocumented immigrant police cadets who are set to begin active duty in 2024. This move challenges the current limitation that prevents DACA recipients from carrying firearms due to their non-legal citizen status.
LAPD Chief Michael Moore advocates for this policy change, emphasizing the department's collaboration with state and federal justice departments. The proposal has generated mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a positive step towards integrating DACA recipients into American society, while others express concerns about arming non-citizens.
This initiative aligns with Senator Dick Durbin's proposal to recruit undocumented immigrants into the U.S. military, reflecting a broader shift in the roles of undocumented individuals in public service. The LAPD's request to the Department of Justice highlights the evolving debate over immigration policy and its implications in areas like law enforcement and national security.
