On June 8, 2025, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office responded to a request from the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services for mutual aid in Los Angeles. The assistance was sought due to ongoing civil disturbances affecting the area. In response, a platoon consisting of 32 personnel from the Sheriff’s Response and Special Enforcement Teams was deployed to Los Angeles. The team arrived and provided security for buildings in downtown Los Angeles through the early morning hours and will remain as needed.
Sheriff Brown clarified the role of his office: “Members of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office are not engaged in immigration enforcement activities in Los Angeles, but rather our role is to assist allied law enforcement agencies and help them ensure the safety and security of their communities in response to these violent disturbances.”
He further commented on the nature of the events: “The events unfolding in Los Angeles, other cities in California, and across the nation are far from peaceful First Amendment protests. We are witnessing destructive attacks on private property and targeted attacks on law enforcement officers, both of which are completely unacceptable. Our agency remains committed to ensuring public safety and supporting our law enforcement partners and the Southern California community.”
Sheriff Brown also noted past support received by Santa Barbara County: “Over the past 15 years, Santa Barbara County has repeatedly benefited from mutual aid resources from both the city and county of Los Angeles during our front country wildfires, and we are reciprocating with our support in their time of need. We hope for a swift restoration of order in Los Angeles, allowing all law enforcement personnel to return to their homes safely.”
