By Jorge Casuso

June 10, 2025 -- The fallout from federal immigration enforcement operations that have triggered protests and rioting in Los Angeles reached Santa Monica Monday, where false rumors of a local crackdown swirled and police beefed up deployment.

Santa Monica could become a focal point of protests on Saturday when an estimated 1,000 demonstrators could descend on the north side of Palisades Park for a rally denouncing President Trump's policies, police officials said.

Over the past three days, the Mayor, Police Chief and School District Superintendent have all issued statements in an effort to quell fears fueled by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations near Downtown LA.

"We acknowledge the anxiety and fear that many in our immigrant communities are experiencing after the last few days of heightened immigration enforcement across Los Angeles," Mayor Lana Negrete said in a statement Monday afternoon.

While the City Council has stopped short of declaring Santa Monica a sanctuary city, Negrete noted that the City's policy is not to assist federal authorities in enforcing U.S. immigration laws.

The policy was initially adopted by City Council resolution after President Trump was first elected in 2016, and it was reaffirmed last December shortly after he was certified to serve a second term.

Under a 2017 California Law, the City "will only cooperate with federal immigration enforcement when an individual has been arrested for criminal activity," Negrete said.

Friday evening, Police Chief Ramon Batista issued a statement "to reassure our community that the Santa Monica Police Department does not participate in civil immigration enforcement."

"Our officers do not engage in federal immigration operations, do not inquire about immigration status during calls for service, and do not assist federal agencies in civil immigration actions," Batista wrote.

Mayor Negrete noted that SMPD "is closely monitoring for signs of enforcement or protests in our city and has increased SMPD staffing as a precaution."

On Monday, rampant rumors that ICE was conducting an operation at Santa Monica High School prompted District officials to respond.

"We have heard the rumors circulating about ICE patrols in and around our schools and the Santa Monica community," wrote Superintendent Dr. Antonio Shelton.

"As of 2:30 p.m. today, these sightings have not been confirmed, and we can assure you that ICE officials are not currently present in or at our schools," Shelton said.

"Our schools are safe spaces that cannot be accessed by ICE without a proper warrant. We have reiterated our policies and protocols to all administrators and office staff to ensure everyone understands these critical guidelines."

Lt. Lewis Gilmour, the Police Department spokesperson, said that while the rumors have sowed "fear and confusion," there has been "no ICE related activity in Santa Monica."

"There have been reported sightings Downtown and near Bay Street" of what looked like federal vehicles, but no community member has placed a call for service," Gilmour said.

"We know they're driving around, but they've not conducted any raids that we're aware of in Santa Monica."

Gilmour said SMPD is preparing for Saturday's protest in Palisades Park scheduled to take place between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at Ocean and Montana avenues.

The rally, which organizers are billing as a "mass protest," is one of hundreds of "No Kings" demonstrations that will be held nationwide on President Trump's birthday.

"Palisades Park is 2 miles long, we will meet at Montana Avenue at Ocean Avenue and spread out along the park," organizers wrote on the mobilize.us website.

"A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action," organizers said. "We are working with law enforcement to keep this peaceful, but rely on you to follow protocol."

Police officials said they expect some 1,000 people to attend the protest, including State Senator Ben Allen and Councilmembers Jesse Zwick, Ellis Raskin and Natalya Zernitskaya, who are expected to speak.

"We protect first amendment rights, but criminal behavior will not be tolerated." said Lt. Gilmour.

Despite the precautions, Mayor Negrete is concerned there is always a potential for violence.

"It's not the people who are part of the peaceful protests," Negrete said. "It's people who are looking for opportunities to create chaos and anarchy."

"The city respects everyone’s First Amendment right to peaceful protest," the mayor said.

"However, individuals taking advantage of the situation to loot or vandalize within our city will be subject to arrest and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."