Los Angeles City Council Member Monica Rodriguez is warning that President Donald Trump’s 2028 Olympics Task Force might be used as a “Trojan horse” to increase deportation raids, which could lead to a “tragedy.” This shows the growing tension between local and federal authorities in California as the Games approach.
According to the New York Post, Rodriguez, a San Fernando Valley Democrat, is against federal immigration enforcement agencies like ICE. She is worried that the federal task force, which President Trump announced in August, could increase the involvement of federal agents and change how local policing works in the city.
Rodriguez stated, “Given the ICE activities, one of my concerns is that there is going to be a federal task force tied to 2028.” She has criticized federal raids, saying agents use “bounty-hunter-style tactics.” Her motion demands transparency from the federal task force to “prevent federal overreach and maintain local control.”
The city is pushing back against federal control over Olympics security
The City Council unanimously approved a motion demanding the federal government clarify its security role during the Games. They stressed that the Los Angeles Police Department will lead security within the city. Rodriguez also previously passed a motion that stops all city employees from seeking outside jobs with ICE, Customs and Border Protection, or the Department of Homeland Security.
Rodriguez pointed to the death of activist Renee Good, who was shot and killed in Minneapolis after driving her car into an ICE office. Rodriguez stated, “We’re in a very tragic moment, where we’re continuing to find ourselves in reactive mode to the activities that are being brought onto citizens in this country.”
THE 2028 SUMMER OLYMPICS WHITE HOUSE TASK FORCE
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 5, 2025
"For eight straight consecutive summer games, no one has won more medals than @TeamUSA… We want to keep it that way." – President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/TljzXgfrq6
Los Angeles County recently created “ICE-Free Zones” across county-owned properties, winning unanimous support from the Board of Supervisors. Co-sponsor Supervisor Lindsey Horvath claimed, “Our federal government is freely, without cause, murdering its own citizens in broad daylight, in front of witnesses and cameras….and is partaking in illegal actions as we bear witness and we pay the price.”
The President has faced multiple federal law violations recently, adding to local officials’ concerns. The Trump administration says these concerns are unfounded. White House representative Davis Ingle pushed back, saying President Trump’s main goal is to keep the 2028 Olympics safe to ensure the event is the most successful ever.
Ingle explained the task force uses a “whole-of-government approach” with Cabinet Secretaries, state and local leaders, and other key officials. Trump recently warned about a potential financial crisis if the Supreme Court doesn’t support him on key issues.
