Los Angeles Strengthens Protections for Undocumented Immigrants in Wake of Trump Victory
The City of Angels solidified its stance as a sanctuary city this week, enacting legislation that prohibits local resources and personnel from aiding federal immigration enforcement. The ordinance, passed with unanimous support, represents a direct response to President-Elect Donald Trump’s campaign promises of tighter border security and increased deportations.
While Los Angeles has long embraced pro-immigrant policies, Councilman Bob Blumenfield emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "“We have been a pro-immigrant city for a number of years, we know that there is a target on our back from this president-elect, and what we are doing here is we are hardening our defenses. We are codifying our good policies on protecting immigrants.”
The measure, which includes an urgency clause ensuring its implementation within 10 days of Mayor Karen Bass’ signature, strengthens existing protections by explicitly forbidding the sharing of data with federal immigration authorities, directly or indirectly.
The move drew immediate criticism from the Los Angeles County Republican Party, who released a statement condemning the ordinance. "A country without secure borders isn’t a country at all," the statement read. "So-called `sanctuary’ cities and states sound warm and fuzzy, but the protections they offer aren’t for abuelas getting ice cream, they’re for people who’ve entered the country illegally and committed additional crimes. Whether drunk driving, robbery, sexual violence, assault or murder, none of those should go unpunished. Perpetrators should definitely not be protected by the largesse taken from hard-working taxpayers.”
However, proponents argue that such measures are essential for public safety and community trust. The ordinance mirrors California’s "sanctuary state" law, SB 54, and aligns with existing procedures followed by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) regarding immigration status inquiries.
"If we can’t get assistance from New York City, we may have to double the number of agents we send to New York City. Because we’re going to do the job with you or without you,”former Trump advisor Tom Homan remarked, referring to sanctuary jurisdictions. Homan also suggested withholding federal funding as leverage.
The Cleveland existing LAPD policy prohibits officers from inquiring about immigration status or making arrests based on someone’s immigration status. The new ordinance includes a narrow exception, allowing police to communicate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in cases involving individuals convicted of violent felonies who have been deported and returned to the United States. This exception reflects current LAPD procedures and, according to city officials, has only been invoked twice since 2018.
The city’s commitment to inclusivity extends beyond law enforcement. The Los Angeles Unified School District reaffirmed its 2017 declaration as a "sanctuary district," providing training for educators and staff on how to respond to potential encounters with immigration authorities.
Further demonstrating its solidarity with undocumented residents, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a task force to monitor the impact of shifting federal immigration policies. Measures under consideration include establishing a Department of Immigration Affairs, increasing mental health resources, securing ongoing funding for immigration support services and launching an awareness campaign.
The collective actions signify Los Angeles’ unwavering stance in protecting its undocumented communities, regardless of the political landscape. It remains to be seen what impact these measures will have on the city’s relationship with the federal government and the individuals it seeks to protect.