By LEITF co-chair Ramon Batista, the Chief of Police of Santa Monica, California

The path to public safety requires more than just enforcement actions. Nearly four decades in law enforcement have taught me a fundamental truth: safety is built on trust. Trust must exist at every level—between neighbors, within local communities and governments, with federal agencies, and in our national institutions. Without that trust, security cannot be maintained.

Our current immigration approach has shifted toward a singular focus on enforcement—yet enforcement alone threatens undermining the trust that is essential to a just and effective system. Here in Los Angeles, during the past weeks, we have seen events that risk the trust that we have tried to build through the years.

In the law enforcement field, we are taught that it is important not to show any kind of racial bias when doing our work. But recent events have led to racial profiling among our residents. It’s unfortunate that brown people among our communities are under a high level of scrutiny.

These days in California and around the country, the balance between enforcement and treatment with humanity relies on good people who have taken an oath to protect the constitution and protect democracy to make good decisions about what they see and do.

I was born in Los Angeles, I grew up and worked for years in border towns in Arizona, I know that immigration has been and now — more than ever — is incredibly challenging in our country. But I, like many other law enforcement colleagues, want a strong border and an updated immigration system.

We must keep in mind the vital economic role immigrants play in our nation. They form the backbone of essential industries— such as agriculture, construction and hospitality, among others— that sustain our daily lives.

Just in California, a recent economic study shows that without the economic contributions of undocumented immigrants, the state could face an annual loss of up to $275 billion in GDP.

A good portion of these individuals embody deeply great values: a respect for law and order, a strong work ethic, devotion to faith, and an unwavering commitment to family. These are the very principles that resonate at the heart of our national identity.

As a country, we must come together to reform our immigration system—not only to honor the immigrants’ contributions and improve their lives, but to strengthen our nation’s future and global economic standing.

We must pursue both robust border security and clear legal pathways for them. I am confident that we have not only the capacity—but the responsibility—to achieve both. We can create ways to give a legal alternative securing an orderly vetting process for those who are well integrated in our communities.

Recent polling data shows that a majority of Americans consider that immigration is good for our nation. Our leaders should recognize the value of immigrant communities, as many Americans already do.

Talking about immigration these days usually leads to polarization, but I’ve found it encouraging to learn about thoughtful discussions in Congress centered on creating a more effective immigration system. One of them, the Dignity Act of 2025 that is aiming to offer at least a temporary legal alternative to undocumented immigrants and a pathway to citizenship to Dreamers.

It is my hope that the administration and Congress can come together to address the immigration challenges with compassion, while remaining committed to ensuring the safety of our country. That would serve the best interests of all of us.