LA Sheriff Candidates Weigh In on Deputy Gangs

Candidates share their views on addressing alleged law enforcement cliques within the LA County Sheriff's Department.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 2:58am

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As part of the editorial board's endorsement process, the Los Angeles Daily News asked all candidates for Los Angeles County Sheriff to weigh in on the issue of alleged 'deputy gangs' within the Sheriff's Department. The candidates provided a range of perspectives, with some acknowledging the existence of problematic subgroups while others disputed the claims. All candidates emphasized the need for accountability, transparency, and a culture of professionalism within the department.

Why it matters

The issue of deputy gangs within the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has been a longstanding controversy, with allegations of preferential treatment, misconduct, and a 'us vs. them' mentality. Addressing this problem is seen as crucial for restoring public trust in the department and ensuring fair and ethical law enforcement practices.

The details

The candidates provided a variety of responses when asked about deputy gangs. Robert Luna, the current sheriff, acknowledged the existence of these groups and said he has taken steps to eradicate them, including creating an Office of Constitutional Policing. Alex Villanueva, a former sheriff, disputed the claims, saying the 'deputy gang narrative' was a political campaign to discredit his administration. Other candidates, such as Oscar Martinez and Karla Carranza, took more nuanced stances, acknowledging past issues but stating that no such groups currently exist. Sonia T. Montejano and Andre White expressed a zero-tolerance policy for any gang-like behavior, while Eric Strong and Mike Bornman emphasized the need for accountability, transparency, and a culture shift within the department.

  • The Los Angeles Daily News editorial board sent written surveys to all candidates for Los Angeles County Sheriff in April 2026.
  • The responses were published on April 5, 2026.

The players

Robert Luna

The current Los Angeles County Sheriff who acknowledged the existence of deputy gangs and said he has taken steps to eradicate them.

Alex Villanueva

A former Los Angeles County Sheriff who disputed the claims of deputy gangs, saying the 'narrative' was a political campaign to discredit his administration.

Oscar Martinez

A candidate for Los Angeles County Sheriff who took a nuanced stance, acknowledging past issues but stating that no such groups currently exist.

Sonia T. Montejano

A candidate for Los Angeles County Sheriff who expressed a zero-tolerance policy for any gang-like behavior within the department.

Eric Strong

A candidate for Los Angeles County Sheriff who emphasized the need for accountability, transparency, and a culture shift within the department to address the issue of deputy gangs.

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What they’re saying

“I have held community meetings throughout the county to discuss the impact this issue has on the community and developed an internal focus group to ensure department leaders at every rank take responsibility for addressing the issue.”

— Robert Luna, Los Angeles County Sheriff

“If there were actual criminal gangs operating within the department, why haven't we seen prosecutions? The answer is because those claims are not supported by evidence.”

— Oscar Martinez, Candidate for Los Angeles County Sheriff

“As sheriff, I will confront the deputy gangs crisis directly and end them—no excuses, no half-measures.”

— Sonia T. Montejano, Candidate for Los Angeles County Sheriff

What’s next

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's election is scheduled for November 2026, and the issue of deputy gangs is expected to be a key topic of discussion throughout the campaign.

The takeaway

The responses from the Los Angeles County Sheriff candidates highlight the ongoing debate and controversy surrounding the alleged existence of 'deputy gangs' within the Sheriff's Department. While some candidates acknowledge the problem and propose solutions, others dispute the claims, underscoring the need for thorough investigation, transparent oversight, and a concerted effort to address any issues of misconduct or unethical behavior within the department.