On Tuesday, Los Angeles County declared a state of emergency due to immigration raids from the Trump administration that have unsettled local immigrant communities.
The County Board of Supervisors approved the emergency measure with a 4-1 vote. This declaration aims to secure resources for rent assistance and legal aid, as many migrants have refrained from going to work for fear of being detained by immigration officials.
County Supervisor Janice Hahn noted, “We have residents who are afraid to leave their homes,” adding that some families are deeply worried because their relatives have vanished without a trace, possibly taken by ICE.
She emphasized that some households are facing severe financial hardship because parents have been taken from their jobs, which makes it challenging to pay rent or provide meals.
Migrant workers have been specifically targeted in raids at farms, businesses, and their residences.
Supervisor Kathryn Berger, the only dissenting vote, cautioned that this declaration might negatively impact landlords and could lead to legal troubles for the county. Previously, rental arrangements during the COVID-19 pandemic had already led to numerous lawsuits from landlords.
Daniel Yukelson, who heads the Greater Los Angeles Apartment Association, reported that landlords lost billions in unpaid rent due to the emergency measures during the pandemic.
This move by the county reflects California officials’ ongoing efforts to counter President Trump’s immigration enforcement policies. Recently, Governor Gavin Newsom introduced new legislation to prohibit ICE officers from wearing masks.
Newsom argued that masks allow federal agents to “evade responsibility” and hinder public oversight. He emphasized that residents are protesting against the recent ICE raids, which reportedly resulted in the arrest of 5,000 undocumented immigrants in Los Angeles from June to August.
State leaders, including Newsom, have promised to “push back” against these actions. He stated, “We are California, a majority-minority state. Despite our best efforts, we celebrate our diversity. We are a universal state.” He expressed that this unique position makes California special, yet it feels under siege by the current administration.
