Santa Monica’s Chief of Police Named Task Force’s New Co-chair

The Law Enforcement Immigration Task Force (LEITF) has announced that Police Chief Ramon Batista of Santa Monica, California, has been appointed as a new co-chair.

Batista joins co-chairs Sheriff Ed Gonzalez (Harris County, Texas), Chief Chad Kasmar (Tucson, Arizona) and Chief Michael Tupper (Marshalltown, Iowa).

“I am excited about increasing my involvement with the Law Enforcement Immigration Task Force,” Batista said. “I recognize the crucial role the members of this task force play in keeping the topic of immigration reforms at the forefront of public safety policy.

“This group helps bridge law enforcement expertise with policy development and facilitates collaboration between agencies to address immigration issues effectively, promoting a balance between security and humane policies,” Batista added.

Chief Batista’s career spans 37 years, and he became the Santa Monica chief in 2021. He has worked to foster trust, ensure security, promote equality and maintain transparency in the communities he has served.

In July, Batista testified before a House Judiciary subcommittee about trust as the lifeblood of community-oriented policing, and the role of trust in reaching out to marginalized groups — including undocumented immigrants.

“With his extensive public safety background spanning more than 30 years across two border states, Chief Batista brings a wealth of knowledge and unique experience to our team,” co-chair and Tucson, Arizona, Chief Chad Kasmar said.

“Chief Batista is a lifelong champion of professional policing and sensible immigration reform,” said co-chair and Marshalltown, Iowa, Chief Michael Tupper. “As an exemplary leader, he is well positioned to assist the LEITF in advancing practical policing strategies and initiatives to strengthen communities.”

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