safety
The Justice Department is linking public safety money to immigration enforcement
By Meg Anderson | NPR at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio)
· June 22, 2026
· 5 min read
Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche listens to a reporter's question during a press conference at the Department of Justice on June 11 in Washington, D.C. The DOJ is offering public safety grants to cities and police departments across the country.(Win McNamee / Getty Images)
The Justice De...
Key takeaway Attorney General Todd Blanche listens to a reporter's question during a press conference at the Department of Justice on June 11 in Washington, D.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
In Los Angeles , the Justice Department's decision to tie public safety grants to immigration enforcement cooperation could have significant implications for local law enforcement's ability to fund community policing initiatives. The city has long relied on COPS grants to support programs such as hiring new police officers and implementing school safety measures. With nearly $1 billion in grants available, Los Angeles may be forced to choose between accessing much-needed funding and maintaining its current policies on immigration enforcement. This could lead to a shift in the city's approach to community policing, potentially straining relationships between law enforcement and immigrant communities. As the city considers its options, it will be important to watch how local officials balance the need for public safety funding with the potential consequences of cooperating with federal immigration authorities. The impact on Los Angeles' diverse communities will be a key factor in determining the city's response to the Justice Department's grant requirements.
About this story
Original reporting by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: safety ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche listens to a reporter's question during a press conference at the Department of Justice on June 11 in Washington, D.C. The DOJ is offering public safety grants to cities and police departments across the country.(Win McNamee / Getty Images)
The Justice De...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Meg Anderson | NPR at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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