LA County issues emergency declaration due to ICE raids in the area

Los Angeles County Declares Local State of Emergency

On Tuesday, Los Angeles County officials announced a local state of emergency, following Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in the area. Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsay Horvath’s office shared the news through an online release.

This declaration responds to the significant impact of the raids in a county that houses over 10 million immigrants, making it one of the largest immigrant hubs in the U.S.

Now, counties have the authority to provide financial aid to residents affected by these incidents, which could include assistance with rent and access to legal support through state funds.

“What is occurring in our community is indeed an emergency, and Los Angeles County is acknowledging it as such,” Horvath stated.

She further explained, “Declaring a local state of emergency will allow the county government to effectively help the immigrant communities that are being targeted by federal actions.”

The emergency declaration, dated October 9, will remain active until the Board of Supervisors decides to end it. County officials have been instructed to implement necessary emergency measures to support and stabilize communities impacted by the federal immigration actions.

Despite the potential for legal challenges from the federal government, the county supervisors voted 4-1 in favor of the declaration. They emphasized that the recent raids have instilled a significant amount of fear, disrupting daily life and adversely affecting the local economy—leading to decreased workforce attendance, temporary or permanent business shutdowns, and increased pressure on schools, hospitals, and community centers.

Supervisor Janice Hahn pointed out that the emergency is crucial for coping with the “fear, pain, and disruption” caused by ICE operations.

Hahn noted, “When parents are taken from their jobs, entire families are pushed into poverty.” She expressed solidarity with immigrant communities, saying, “We want them to know we stand with them during this emergency.”

Supervisor Holly Mitchell remarked that the raids have also prompted acts of racially-motivated violence within neighborhoods.

However, Board President Kathryn Berger cast her vote against the declaration, cautioning about possible legal ramifications. She argued, “The federal government has the exclusive authority to enforce immigration laws, and local governments shouldn’t interfere.” She suggested that instead, advocacy should focus on meaningful immigration reform that offers legal pathways for those who contribute to society.

Charging the county’s approach as unfounded, ICE released a statement criticizing the emergency declaration. They stated that the board should perhaps focus on supporting disaster victims rather than aiding “criminal illegal aliens.” ICE spokesperson Emily Convington added that they would, however, ensure that dangerous individuals, such as child offenders, are removed from neighborhoods.