The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is facing backlash after its West Hollywood Station posted a since-deleted video showing cops running past Stop Signs that were altered to read “Stop Ice.”
While individual officers are allowed to hold political views, law enforcement agencies are intended to be non-partisan.
The opening shot of the video prominently features a “Stop Ice” sign in front of a sunrise.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is facing backlash from a video that has been deleted. Instagram/lasdwesthollywoodstation
While individual officers are allowed to hold political views, law enforcement agencies are intended to be non-partisan. Instagram/lasdwesthollywoodstationIn the clip, several officers are seen running down the street past the political message, before posing next to a cop car with the title “West Hollywood Station.”
The LASD confirmed to the California Post that the West Hollywood Station posted the video, which was later deleted.
Users on social media called out the Sheriff’s Department for “straight slipping,” with one person declaring it was “not an accident.”
The LASD confirmed to the California Post that the West Hollywood Station posted the video. Instagram/lasdwesthollywoodstationWest Hollywood is known for championing progressive policies and is recognized as a “global center for LGBTQ+ rights,” according to the City’s website.
The City also took a formal stance to create an ICE-free zone earlier this month, allowing the city staff and City Attorney to establish an ordinance that would prevent federal immigration officials from using city property, according to the Beverly Press.
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“The item reflects the council’s sentiment that ICE is not welcome in West Hollywood,” Mayor John Heilman said, according to the outlet.
“We have lots of hard-working immigrants who work and live in our city. They are a key part of our community.
“We don’t need the federal government coming into our community and arresting people working at car washes or clearing brush from people’s yards.”
Fanny Lapkin, Captain at the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station, told The Post the video was “not intended as a political statement” and was meant to highlight deputies training for the “Baker to Vegas Challenge Run as a way to show support for their efforts and dedication.”
“At the time of the recording and posting, personnel did not notice the sticker on a local stop sign, and the station was not aware that the signage was prominently visible in the footage,” Lapkin said, adding that the video was removed over concerns it could be misinterpreted.
“After concerns were raised regarding signage visible in the background of the video, the station reviewed the content and determined that it could be subject to misinterpretation,” Lapkin said. “We apologize if the video created concern and it has been subsequently removed and archived.”





