Two DACA recipients serving as LAPD officers are on unpaid leave as federal processing delays jump by more than 360 percent.
They stepped up to risk their lives for a city facing its worst police shortage in decades. Now, because of a slow federal office, they had to hand over their badges and guns.
What Happened
Officers Pacheco and Carrillo have served with the Los Angeles Police Department since 2023. Both are DACA officers, meaning they came to the U.S. as children. They were hired under a California law that lets non-citizens work as police if they have legal work permits.
But those permits expired because of a massive backup at the federal level. Officer Pacheco filed her renewal paperwork three months early, but it was not enough. Her captain told her the wait times were getting longer, and this week she was put on unpaid leave.
Officer Carrillo has already been off the job without pay for three months. He checks the federal tracking website every single day, but nothing changes. Neither officer knows when they will be allowed to return to work.
What the data shows
- 360 percent: The increase in the federal backlog of work permits over the past year.
- 1,300: The number of officers the LAPD has lost since the year 2020.
- 8,620: The historically low number of sworn LAPD officers expected by June 30.
- 3 months: How long Officer Carrillo has been on unpaid leave waiting for his renewal.
- 86: The number of members of Congress who have urged the federal government to act on the backlog.
The Bigger Question
Why is the federal government letting red tape get in the way of public safety? Los Angeles is desperate for qualified officers to keep its streets safe. These individuals passed strict background checks and completed tough training, yet they are sidelined by simple delays.
This situation raises a deeper question about how we treat those who step forward to serve. If our system cannot process basic work forms on time, it fails both the workers and the communities they are sworn to protect.
The Other Side
The federal government says the delays are a result of more thorough security checks. Zach Kahler, a spokesperson for federal immigration services, stated that the agency is vetting all non-citizens more closely. He also noted that DACA does not grant permanent legal status.
While safety checks are important, this explanation does not explain why the backlog grew so fast in a single year.
What Happens Now
For now, these officers remain in limbo with zero income. They are using Facebook groups to support each other and look for help.
The police union is asking federal and local leaders to cut through the red tape. If the backlog does not clear up, more officers may be forced off the streets of Los Angeles.
What We Still Don't Know
- Exactly how many LAPD officers are currently affected by these federal delays?
- Will the federal government speed up processing for active-duty law enforcement officers?
- How long will these officers have to wait before they can return to duty?
Transparency notes
Published: Jun 5, 2026. No major post-publication update has been logged.
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Sources
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