Los Angeles has proudly declared itself a sanctuary city in a defiant stance against the Trump administration’s deportation agenda, aiming to protect its undocumented community.
At a Glance
- Los Angeles City Council unanimously passed a “sanctuary city” ordinance to protect immigrants.
- The ordinance prohibits the use of city resources and personnel for federal immigration enforcement.
- Mayor Karen Bass emphasized the urgency of protecting immigrant communities.
- Pro-immigrant protests were held at Los Angeles City Hall in support of the ordinance.
Los Angeles Takes a Stand
The Los Angeles City Council has unanimously passed a “sanctuary city” ordinance amid concerns over the Trump administration’s intensified deportation agenda. The ordinance prohibits city resources and personnel from being used in federal immigration enforcement, reinforcing Los Angeles’s commitment to protect its undocumented residents. Mayor Karen Bass highlighted the urgency to stand with the city’s immigrant communities amidst increasing threats.
Los Angeles is home to 1.3 million migrants with an unknown number of those being undocumented. The sanctuary city ordinance serves as a reassurance to these communities amidst fears of mass deportations and military involvement. Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez asserted the city’s message against co-operating with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
BREAKING: With a 13-0 vote, the LA City Council adopted a "sanctuary city" ordinance today to prohibit the use of city resources and staff for federal immigration enforcement efforts.
— KCAL News (@kcalnews) November 19, 2024
Community and Legal Implications
Pro-immigrant protesters gathered at Los Angeles City Hall in support of the ordinance. The decision aligns with the California Values Act (SB 54), which limits state and local enforcement assistance to federal immigration authorities. Despite the ordinance, some critics argue that operationally, LA already refrains from federal cooperation. Shiu-Ming Cheer, the deputy director of immigrant and racial justice at the California Immigration Policy Center expressed that people are, “afraid that the National Guard or other people are going to be forced to execute Trump’s mass deportation plans, but, you know, we’re also organized.”
The ordinance also marks a shift from symbolic resolutions to enforceable protections, aiming to prevent local agencies from sharing information about undocumented residents. Local schools have aligned with these measures, further emphasizing protection against the Trump administration’s plan for heightened immigration enforcement.
JUST IN: Los Angeles has declared themselves a “sanctuary” city for illegal immigrants, which will prohibit city resources or personnel from assisting federal officials in enforcing immigration laws.
The city council voted unanimously, 13-0, to pass the ordinance.
The LAUSD… pic.twitter.com/VaLAVf3Gqn
— RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) November 20, 2024
Consequences for Federal and State Relations
As Los Angeles leaders take a firm stance, concerns loom over how this will affect federal-state relations. The Trump transition team has yet to comment on the new ordinance, while the administration’s stance on appointing former ICE Director Tom Homan as border czar outlines their firm deportation intent. Across the nation, eleven states have taken similar steps to limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, reflecting a broader resistance trend. This bold move by Los Angeles and other cities underscores a critical moment in immigration policy, raising questions about local governments’ power to enact protective measures against federal directives they perceive as unjust.
