Alex Villanueva, who won long bouts in historic elections, was sworn in as L.A. County Sheriff.

Alex Villanueva was sworn in on Monday as Los Angeles County Sheriff, promising to lead one of the country's largest law enforcement agencies into a new era.

Villanueva, 55, was sworn in by judge Lucy Armendariz of the Superior Court of East Los Angeles College, a short distance from the sheriff's station in East Los Angeles, where he had been a young MP. We are once again agents of peace and we must be judged by how we protect our communities, "Villanueva told a crowd of hundreds of MPs, community leaders and elected officials who attended the event. 39; event. "Our immigrant communities should not have to wonder if we are here to protect or deport them."

His lapel was adorned with five gold stars, arranged in a pentagon-like shape, unlike some of his predecessors, who wore their "Yes, rumors are true," said Villanueva, "there is a new sheriff in town. "

The public, which included Janice Hahn, Mark Ridley, Los Angeles County Supervisors Thomas, Kathryn Barger and Hilda Solis, as well as former state senator, Kevin de León, applauded several standing ovations throughout the event.

The personality of local radio Big Boy served as master of ceremonies.

Villanueva, a veteran of the US Air Force who served for three decades in the department before retiring as lieutenant in February, garnered 53% of the vote, with outgoing sheriff Jim McDonnell receiving 47% . His victory marks the first time in over 100 years that a challenger defeated a sheriff stationed in Los Angeles County.

During his campaign for the non-political seat Villanueva promoted his status as a democrat and promised to expel federal immigration agents from places of detention.

He also made statements likely to create friction with more progressive voices of The community stated that it would continue to honor the claims brought by the US Immigration and Customs Service to detain inmates of the county jail who had been convicted ofserious crimes, contrary to the Sheriff's Civilian Oversight Commission's preliminary recommendation.

"We must seize this historic opportunity to ensure that Sheriff Villanueva is aware of the intricacies of immigration policy and that he understands how past administrations have eroded trust with our communities by aligning with ICE, and that we are building together a policy of which we can be proud, "said in a statement Pablo Alvarado, executive director of the national network of national workers' organization.

De León, author of the law "Shrine State", said Monday at the ceremony that he approved Villanueva because he trusted him to protect the rights of immigrants who come into contact with the forces of order.

Villanueva also spoke of "cleaning house" in the upper ranks of the department and announced last week a massive reshuffle, relieving 18 senior officials of his post.

His new team includes two retired commanders: Ray Leyva as Deputy Sheriff and Bob Olmsted as a donkey. sheriff isting overseeing the custody operations. Villanueva also plans to take Chief Maria Gutierrez to the rank of deputy sheriff in charge of county-wide operations and Captain Tim Murakami from assistant prefect to the patrol, the spokesman said. department, Captain Darren Harris.

The fourth assistant sheriff position to oversee the department's budget will be temporarily assigned. frozen, said Harris. LaJuana Haselrig, a lieutenant who had previously been appointed to a deputy sheriff, will become a captain, Harris said.

Villanueva takes over the sheriff's department at a time of transition after the prison abuse scandal revealed a malfunction of the agency. led to convictions under federal criminal charges of several senior officials, including former Sheriff Lee Baca. McDonnell, who has pledged to reform the agency and adopt a harsh attitude toward discipline, has lost the confidence of many MPs who felt that he was punitive and disconnected from the grassroots.

Villanueva promised to apply his own style of reform, including acting quickly to give cameras to the corps of deputy ministers and launching a "truth and reconciliation commission" that would give deputy ministers and public a chance to address actions that they deem unfair.

hire more MPs who grew up in the communities they control and tackle large problems, including homelessness.

"It's a rare moment in history, where we have not only the opportunity, but the courage and responsibility to challenge an existing power. He said," For that, little no matter where you come from, no matter where you live, no matter what color your skin is, your sheriff's service will be used to protect you and your safety. "

It has been likewise for deputy ministers, saying that they would be judged on the quality of their services within their communities and not on the quality of their services. "These days are over," he said.