LOS ANGELES — In a series of decisive actions on Wednesday, the Los Angeles City Council approved multiple motions aimed at strengthening protections for immigrants in the city. The measures come in response to renewed federal efforts targeting undocumented immigrants and so-called “sanctuary cities.”
In a 10-0 vote, council members directed city staff to develop policies requiring businesses to notify the city of any Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity and to inform workers of their rights in anticipation of potential immigration raids. The council also instructed staff to identify approximately $540,000 in funding to continue immigration legal services, filling a gap left after the Trump administration froze federal support for such programs.
Council members John Lee, Tim McOsker, Adrin Nazarian, Traci Park, and Nithya Raman were absent for this vote.
Expanded Legal Protections and Rights Campaign
The council unanimously approved two additional motions (12-0) following amendments introduced by Councilmembers Monica Rodriguez and Ysabel Jurado. These motions include the creation of a citywide “Know Your Rights” campaign, designed to educate immigrants about local sanctuary policies, nondiscrimination protections, and available resources.
As part of her amendment, Rodriguez called on the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) to report on its handling of U-Visas, which are designated for immigrant victims of certain crimes, including domestic violence and sexual assault. The LAPD is expected to provide data on U-Visa certifications issued since 2017 and identify any challenges faced by applicants.
Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez, who co-authored the motions, praised the collaborative efforts of city departments and immigration advocacy groups, stating, “These motions are important because we have to use every single tool to fight back — we cannot normalize these human rights issues.”
Broader Political Context
The motions come at a time of heightened federal immigration enforcement. President Donald Trump, in his first term, signed multiple executive orders targeting undocumented immigrants and threatened to withhold federal funding from sanctuary cities. He authorized ICE operations in sensitive locations such as schools and churches and criticized sanctuary jurisdictions like Los Angeles for refusing to cooperate with immigration enforcement.
During Wednesday’s meeting, Soto-Martinez condemned the administration’s approach, referencing reports of undocumented immigrants being sent to prisons in El Salvador and Guantanamo Bay without hearings, and the removal of legal representation for undocumented minors.
“This whole rhetoric about this being about criminals is simply not true,” he said. “This is about families and children. We cannot play nice with this administration — trying to appeal to their better angels. They simply do not exist.”
Sanctuary City Enforcement and Accountability
In November 2024, Los Angeles officially codified its status as a sanctuary city. While city departments were already restricted from collaborating with ICE, the designation formalized a policy prohibiting the use of any city resources or personnel for federal immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant.
The Council also requested a report evaluating compliance with the city’s sanctuary policy, including concerns raised about LAPD officers allegedly assisting ICE with traffic control during a raid in the Pico-Union neighborhood. Jurado’s amendment called for an analysis of the California Values Act, aiming to clarify guidelines for local law enforcement. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell maintained that the officers were assisting with a criminal warrant tied to a human trafficking case and reiterated the department’s long-standing policy of non-involvement in immigration enforcement — a position held since 1979.
Preparing for a Potential Travel Ban
Separately, the Council’s Trade, Travel and Tourism Committee approved a motion on Tuesday to provide nonprofit legal services at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in the event of a renewed federal travel ban. That motion will face a full Council vote at a later date.
Support for Statewide Legal Aid
As part of Wednesday’s resolutions, the Council also endorsed a statewide increase in funding for deportation defense — urging California to expand its financial commitment to immigrant legal aid.
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