Calls for Eviction Moratorium Amid ICE Raids in Los Angeles

Community organizations in Los Angeles are urging the city to pause evictions during ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. Groups like the LA Tenant Union, SEIU 721, and the Union Employee Union gathered for a press conference on Tuesday to advocate for a moratorium on Orbera Street.

They are hoping that the city council will implement emergency protections for those impacted, particularly an eviction halt. According to the union, tenants make up over 60% of L.A. residents, many of whom are living in fear of deportation. For numerous families, if a member is taken into custody by ICE or if they feel too scared to go to work, paying rent becomes nearly impossible.

These groups argue that the migrant raids generate undue fear and exacerbate the existing economic crises stemming from COVID-19, wildfires, and now ICE actions. “Many tenants cannot pay rent on July 1st,” remarked Kenia Alcocer from the LA Tenants Union. She added, “This militarization and occupation of our community have disrupted businesses, driven away street vendors, and separated families. It’s resulting in people being unable to pay their rent.”

On the flip side, Daniel Huckerson from the Greater Los Angeles Apartment Association voiced concerns that a moratorium could overwhelm landlords. “Over 85% of rental property owners in Los Angeles are independent landlords struggling to cover their own bills,” he stated. He acknowledged the fears residents face but emphasized the importance of timely rent payments for property owners to meet their financial obligations.