LAPD Working to Allow Non-Citizen DACA Recipients Turned Officers Ability to Carry Firearm Full-Time

Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore said his department is working to allow non-citizen DACA recipients who are officers the ability to carry a firearm, full-time.

California passed a law that allows non-U.S. citizens to serve as police officers.

“What’s unique here is that the state is attempting, its agencies, are attempting to identify clear policy that’s defendable, and articulates the basis for this allowance, and we believe we’re the first agency that has done that in the state of California,” said Moore during Tuesday’s police commissioners meeting.

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was first launched in 2012 under the Obama administration and allows certain undocumented immigrants who were children when they were brought to the U.S. to apply for deferred action, and be eligible for work permits.

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However, there are federal restrictions regarding DACA recipients having guns. They could have police-issued weapons on duty, but wouldn’t be allowed to take them home like other officers.

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The are also questions about non-citizens arresting citizens, and what would happen if a DACA recipient loses their legal status.

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