Left-wing activists criticize LA28 Olympics safety plan over police and DHS reliance

Left-wing activists expressed frustration with the LA28 organizing committee's safety plan for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics due to its reliance on the Los Angeles Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security.

The Los Angeles Times reported Tuesday that groups including the Fair Game Coalition and the Sunita Jain Anti-Trafficking Initiative criticized the human rights strategy released last month. Activists told a Los Angeles City Council committee that LA28 plans to depend too heavily on police and DHS, agencies that provoke fear and discord among many Angelenos, particularly after recent violent immigration raids.

The strategy highlights DHS's role at the event, designated a National Special Security Event. It states that DHS and other federal agencies will provide significant resources, staff and technology. The federal government, with help from state and local public safety and law enforcement agencies, will coordinate operational security and contingency planning to protect participants, attendees and communities hosting Games-related events.

Martin Barrera of the Fair Game Coalition voiced dismay over DHS involvement linked to raids that arrested scores of migrant workers. "This plan fails to protect those most at risk," Barrera said.

Several left-leaning political groups have increased pressure on LA28 ahead of the safety plan's release. The board recently added former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Trump's former chief of staff Reince Priebus. The groups previously demanded the resignation of LA28 Chair Casey Wasserman for adding Trump allies to the board.

Wasserman has faced recent criticism for his name appearing in Epstein files and documents showing a flirtatious exchange with Ghislaine Maxwell, a close Epstein associate. He announced plans to sell his talent agency amid the backlash but kept his LA28 position.