Los Angeles city lawmakers unanimously voted to adopt a sanctuary city ordinance, barring the use of city resources or personnel to assist federal immigration enforcement efforts. The move comes in response to concerns over potential mass deportation raids following President-elect Trump's victory.
The ordinance, drafted with input from immigration groups by City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto and Mayor Karen Bass, aims to shield immigrant communities from what advocates describe as the 'unimaginable cruelty' of such raids that could lead to family separations and target migrant workers.
California has been a sanctuary state since 2017 under SB 54, which restricts local law enforcement from engaging in immigration-related activities. The debate surrounding the sanctuary ordinance in Los Angeles highlighted the need to balance resources allocated to assist illegal immigrants with addressing issues like mass homelessness and a housing crisis.
Sanctuary cities like Los Angeles typically do not cooperate with federal immigration authorities, refusing to honor detainer requests from ICE. Critics argue that such policies may lead to the release of criminal illegal immigrants back into communities, potentially resulting in repeat offenses.
President-elect Trump's campaign promise to tighten border security and conduct mass deportations has prompted responses from various officials across the country. In Los Angeles, the newly adopted ordinance formalizes existing protections for immigrants, with the LAPD instructed not to inquire about immigration status or make arrests based on legal status.
Former ICE Director Tom Homan, appointed as Trump's 'border czar,' has emphasized the need to prioritize public safety and national security in immigration enforcement. The Los Angeles County Republican Party criticized the sanctuary ordinance, expressing concerns that it could shield criminal immigrants.
Amidst the broader national debate on immigration policies, officials in other regions, such as Boston and Arizona, have also signaled resistance to cooperating with potential deportation operations under the incoming administration. California Governor Gavin Newsom has vowed to defend state laws and values against federal challenges.
