LASD transferred at least 20 inmates over to ICE. Sheriff Luna explains why

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna discussed the department's procedures for transferring inmates already in custody over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement during a press conference Thursday afternoon.

Luna said that the transfers don't happen often, but that it has been happening over the past two months.

"We will only transfer an individual into ICE custody if we are presented with a federal judicial warrant that's signed by a judge. That is consistent with California law and county policy," Luna said.

He added that his department is in compliance with both local and state law.

"The sheriff's department complies fully with California Senate 54 and the 2020 Los Angeles county policy which prohibits local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration officials except under very specific and lawful circumstances," said Luna.

Luna said that there are specific circumstances when the county will comply and transfer inmates.

As of Thursday, the department had transferred 20 individuals between May and June. Most of those individuals "have had serious or violent charges such as attempted murder, robbery, rape and sexual battery".

In each case, there was a judicial warrant signed by a judge.

"These warrants are an effective and peaceful vehicle in transferring individuals who have committed violent or serious crimes."