Editor's note: This article was updated to explain why the suspect was released from SMPD custody.
By Jorge Casuso
July 23, 2026 -- U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) agents on Thursday morning took a man into custody who was released by Santa Monica police after being arrested on suspicion of vehicle burglary and possession of burglary tools.
The suspect, whose identity has not been released, was "processed, cited on those charges, and released from SMPD custody" before being arrested by ICE agents outside the Public Safety Facility.
California law and Los Angeles County’s pre-arraignment release protocols do not allow police to hold a suspect arrested for certain offenses, said Police Department spokesman Lt. Lewis Gilmour.
"The charges in this case did not meet the criteria for continued detention," Gilmour said. "Once the citation and booking process was complete, SMPD no longer had a basis to hold him."
After the suspect was released and given a future court date, federal authorities independently took him into custody, Gilmour said.
"SMPD officers did not participate in or assist with the federal arrest. There was no coordinated handoff between SMPD and federal authorities," Gilmour said.
"SMPD does not participate in civil immigration enforcement operations or arrest individuals based solely on their immigration status.
"At the same time, the Department does not obstruct lawful actions conducted independently by federal authorities," Gilmour added.
Police officials said the Department's position is "consistent with SMPD’s longstanding policy and remains unchanged."
"As Chief Darrick Jacob reaffirmed in his prior statement on immigration enforcement, SMPD’s responsibility is to protect public safety and enforce criminal laws within Santa Monica," officials said.
"Civil immigration enforcement is the responsibility of designated federal agencies and is not a function of the Santa Monica Police Department."
Police officials added that officers "remain focused on local public safety, the prevention and investigation of crime, and the protection of everyone who lives, works, and visits Santa Monica.
"Immigration status does not affect a person’s ability to report a crime, request assistance, or cooperate with SMPD as a victim or witness," officials said.
Police officials did not respond to The Lookout's request for the suspect's name and criminal record, and ICE officials did not immediately respond to a request for the suspect's criminal record and immigration status.