Local and state government increase support for immigrant families amid ICE raids

On Tuesday, the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors approved a proclamation to declare a local emergency to help immigrant families affected by the ICE raids in Los Angeles County.

The vote 4-1 will allow the county to provide direct resources, such as rent relief, request mutual aid, and partner with local departments to create any other emergency powers and actions deemed necessary.

The motion was introduced by Supervisors Lindsey P. Horvath and Janice Hahn and backed by Supervisors Hilda Solis and Holly Mitchell. Supervisor Kathryn Barger voted against.

Before the vote, Supervisor Horvath said in a press conference that Los Angeles County residents deserve to know their representatives are on their side, regardless of immigration status. 

“Immigrants are the heart of this county. 1in 3 of us was born outside of this country,” Horvath said.

With the proclamation, the county can move faster when it is time to coordinate and use every tool available to protect the communities it represents. 

“We will continue to stand with our immigrant neighbors — today, and for as long as it takes,” Horvath said.

Supervisor Hahn said they were declaring a state of emergency to a man-made emergency created “by our own federal government.”

She said, while the day was considered a sad day in the county’s history because it would never be expected to get to this point, she was also considering it a proud day knowing the county is on the right side of justice. 

“ICE raids are spreading fear and confusion in every corner of our county,” she said, explaining that last week, ICE raided a county park in San Pedro, the area she represents. The federal officers detained three people who were on their morning walk and threatened to arrest the county park staff who questioned them and were trying to do their jobs. 

“These ICE raids are lawless. They are not going after criminals,” Hahn said. “They're going after people because of where they work, their accent or the color of their skin. And I think it's important that we tell our immigrant community that we are in this emergency with you.”

The proclamation will remain in effect until terminated by the Board to make sure the County responds swiftly and in collaboration with their departments to protect the immigrant families. 

Opposing the proclamation

Supervisor Barger said in a statement that she opposed the proclamation because the county needs solutions, not symbolic gestures. She also worries about potential legal challenges that could lead to additional fiscal burden on Los Angeles County’s budget, which is already stretched thin.

“I want to be clear: my opposition to this motion is about good governance, not immigration status,” she said.

Barguer explained that she has talked to immigrant families and has seen the fear and anxiety they live with on a daily basis, knowing they could be separated from their families.

“Emergency powers exist for crises that pose life and death consequences like wildfires—not as a shortcut for complex policy issues,” she said. “Stretching emergency powers for federal immigration actions undermines their purpose, invites legal challenges, and circumvents the public process.”

Protecting immigrants at state level

Two days before, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the Family Preparedness Plan Act, a bill that will allow relatives to take care of children whose parents are deported. AB 495 also prevents licensed childcare facilities and state preschools from collecting immigration-related information from students and families. 

“Our children deserve to feel safe at home, in school and in the community,” said Newsom in a statement. “We are putting on record that we stand by our families and their right to keep their private information safe, maintain parental rights and help families prepare in case of emergencies.”

The author of the bill, Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez (San Fernando) said this is a crucial step toward protecting children and families at a time of terror of separation. 

“By creating additional protections and tools that strengthen parental rights and community preparedness, we are ensuring that no child is left without a safety net and reinforcing California’s commitment to safety and compassion for all families,” she said.