The Los Angeles City Council is expected to finalize the language Wednesday and adopt a “sanctuary city” ordinance that prohibits the use of resources and personnel to assist the federal government in enforcing immigration laws.
City Council members voted 13-0 in favor of the ordinance on Nov. 19, but some changes were made that would require a second vote for it to become law. Elected officials say such an ordinance would codify protections for undocumented immigrants and bridge gaps with past policies by prohibiting direct or indirect data sharing with federal immigration authorities. It was advertised as something to fill.
The City Council is expected to approve the ordinance with an emergency clause, making it effective within 10 days of Mayor Karen Bass’ signature.
“We’ve been a pro-immigration city for years, and we know we have a target on our back from the president-elect, and what we’re doing here is beefing up our defenses,” said City Councilman Bob Blumenfield. That’s what I’m doing.” November 19th: “We are codifying good immigration protection policy.”
The city’s action comes two weeks after Donald Trump won the presidential election, emphasizing border security and promising to deport people living in the United States illegally.
Representatives for the president-elect did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but the Los Angeles County Republican Party released the following statement:
“A country without secure borders is no country at all. So-called ‘sanctuary’ cities and states sound warm and fuzzy, but the protection they offer is not for the abuela buying the ice cream. , is for people who have eaten ice cream. Those who enter the country illegally and commit further crimes, whether it be drunk driving, robbery, sexual assault, assault, or murder, should never be punished for the benefits of hard work. Taxpayers. ”
Los Angeles has supported certain policies to protect immigrants for years, but the passage of the Sanctuary Ordinance officially codifies them.
Part of the ordinance incorporates safeguards issued by former Mayor Eric Garcetti during the first Trump administration. Additionally, the Council adopted language changes to be consistent with California’s “sanctuary state” law, SB 54, California Values Act of 2017.
The Los Angeles Police Department also complies with Special Order No. 40, enacted in 1979, which requires officers not to inquire about immigration status or make arrests related to an immigrant’s legal status.
However, as part of the council’s deliberations, it created an exception for the LAPD to assist federal immigration officers in cases involving serious crimes. The move would allow police to contact U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement about immigrants who have been convicted of violent felonies and been deported but have returned to the U.S. — that’s the LAPD’s current procedure. be.
City officials noted that the program has been activated twice since 2018.
Tom Homan, President Trump’s nominee for “border czar,” has previously spoken of sanctuary jurisdictions, citing New York City as an example, saying, “If we don’t get help from New York City, we will double the number of staff.” It may not be necessary,” he said. We send to New York City. Because we will work without you. ”
Homan also suggested that President Trump would withhold federal funding from sanctuary jurisdictions.
In a related action, the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education adopted a resolution reaffirming its previous declaration in 2017 as a “sanctuary district.” The district’s resolution calls for training for faculty and staff on how to respond if contacted by federal immigration authorities.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors recently approved a motion to establish a task force to monitor the impact of changes in federal immigration policy. An immigration bureau may also be established.
Other measures include increasing mental health support for immigrants, ensuring continued funding for immigration assistance offices, and launching awareness campaigns.
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