Los Angeles County Board Declares State of Emergency Over ICE Actions
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has declared a state of emergency concerning Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities targeting illegal immigrants in sanctuary jurisdictions.
On Tuesday, the board voted 4-1 to approve the emergency measure. This declaration would enable state and federal funding for those claiming to be impacted by ICE raids, including resources for rent relief and legal assistance.
“The situation in our community is an emergency, and Los Angeles County is responding accordingly,” Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath remarked.
She continued, emphasizing that declaring a local state of emergency mobilizes the full capacity of county government to support immigrant communities facing federal scrutiny. “Families are under threat, and workers are being removed from essential jobs. This manifesto is about swift action. It allows us to respond more quickly and collaborate effectively, using every resource we have to protect and stabilize our neighborhoods. We stand with our immigrant neighbors now and will continue to do so,” she stated.
Following the vote, the commission highlighted that ICE’s arrests in Los Angeles County create widespread fear, lower workplace attendance, disrupt local economies, and put pressure on vital services including schools, hospitals, and places of worship.
Supervisor Janice Hahn added, “What’s happening across Los Angeles County constitutes an emergency. It might not look like a wildfire or an earthquake, but it’s a man-made crisis, engineered by our own federal government. I want our residents to understand that we are experiencing this crisis together. We must have every tool available to address it.” She remarked that declaring this state of emergency is not just symbolically significant for residents, but crucial for future responses as well.
Despite significant efforts, California officials have been unable to stop the ICE operations.
Recently, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of President Donald Trump’s administration, allowing ICE agents to enforce federal immigration laws despite a lower court’s decision against such enforcement on racial profiling grounds.
“Suspending immigration enforcement based on reasonable suspicion of illegal presence has been a fundamental aspect of U.S. immigration policy for decades, spanning multiple administrations,” Justice Kavanaugh noted in the majority opinion.
