Long Beach Transit sent updated policies to its employees Monday, guiding them on what to do if federal officers attempt to enter their workspaces, and clarifying that since buses are “public domain,” federal and immigration officers cannot be denied access.
The memo from President and Chief Executive Officer Kenneth McDonald begins with an apology for the confusion surrounding a June 23 letter that went out to employees.
The June 23 letter stated that employees “must not attempt to block or disrupt” ICE’s actions. After the letter was posted online, and the Signal Tribune reported that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers would be allowed to enter buses without showing proof of law enforcement identification, local immigration rights group ÓRALE called for the community to stop riding Long Beach Transit buses.
Mayor Rex Richardson asked the agency on July 9 to update its policies.
Richardson asked the agency to provide clear, updated protocols on what Long Beach Transit staff should do if federal or immigrant enforcement tries to enter their workspaces or enter a public bus. He also asked the agency to post Know Your Rights information on all buses and bus stops, and to have cards with the same information that residents can take from buses.
The Mayor also announced on social media that the City Council will convene on Friday to discuss possible “legal measures” the City can take to safeguard the community.
Long Beach Transit’s new policies were made with input from legal counsel, are compliant with federal, state and local laws and align with the Long Beach Values Act, the memo states.
The updated policies announced Monday prohibit unauthorized access to spaces like the Visitor Information Center and corporate offices, but states that since buses are public domain, “all individuals have access” to them. The letter clarifies that it’s a federal crime to obstruct or interfere with a federal operation happening in a public space.
Bus drivers are directed to do the following if approached by a federal agent:
- Stay calm and professional
- Call Transit Service Delivery Communications immediately
- Wait for Transit Service Delivery Communications to send skilled personnel to support staff and customers
Drivers are still not directed to verify whether a person attempting to enter is law enforcement.
“For the safety of our operators and customers, our bus operators are instructed to immediately contact our TSD Communications so skilled personnel can respond appropriately to verify the validity of the request,” a Long Beach Transit media representative told the Signal Tribune. “This is consistent with the training operators receive. It ensures that all situations are managed safely, consistently, and in alignment with the guidance shared in this week’s memo.”
If a worker feels safe enough to do so, the letter says they can record the interaction to document what happens.
For facilities like corporate offices and the Visitor Information Center, workers are directed to ask for a judicial warrant before granting federal agents access, then to call their supervisor.
“Our commitment to our mission means that every person, regardless of where they come from, what language they speak, or what their immigration status might be, deserves to feel safe and respected when they operate or use public transportation,” the letter states.
Long Beach Transit will be distributing multilingual Know Your Rights materials in the coming weeks on their buses, bus stops, websites and social media, according to the memo.
The memo also outlines protocols for various legal documents that federal agents might present while requesting access to Long Beach Transit workspaces, though not buses. Protocols stated in the memo are as follows:
- Judicial warrant signed by a judge: This is the real deal — we need to comply, but we’ll handle it together. Get it to our leadership immediately.
- Administrative warrant (from Department of Homeland Security or ICE, not a judge): You can say no. You can ask them to leave. This is within your rights.
- Subpoena: They’re asking for records. You don’t have to provide anything on the spot. Pass the request along to your manager/supervisor, who will handle it through the appropriate channels.
- Notice to Appear: This is related to someone’s immigration case—it doesn’t provide access to our private areas.
- Court order: This is legally binding. Pass the request along to your manager/supervisor, who will handle it through the appropriate channels.
How do you feel about Long Beach Transits policies? Is there something about this topic we should consider covering? Let us know in the comments.
