The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has declared a local state of emergency in response to recent immigration raids conducted by federal agents. This decision, made on a Tuesday, passed with a vote of four to one, with Supervisor Kathryn Barger dissenting. The board’s majority argues that there is an urgent need to support immigrant families amidst a changing political environment.
Details of the Emergency Declaration
The emergency proclamation aims to address growing concerns regarding the climate of fear created by ongoing federal immigration enforcement actions across Southern California, including Los Angeles County. Since June, these sweeps have disrupted daily life, impacting the community significantly.
County’s Response and Actions
Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, one of the motion’s co-authors, highlighted the necessity of acting swiftly and effectively. The proclamation enables county leaders to seek financial assistance and mutual aid to mitigate the impacts of the ICE raids. It allows expedient contracting, procurement, and hiring to confront the situation directly.
Supervisor Janice Hahn emphasized the importance of this declaration, stating it sends a crucial message of support to the immigrant community and enhances the county’s response capabilities. The emergency powers granted by this proclamation may also permit supervisors to establish an eviction moratorium in response to any impending housing instability among affected residents.
Implications for Immigrant Families
Los Angeles County is home to nearly 950,000 undocumented immigrants, representing over 9% of the population. This figure significantly increases when considering family members of undocumented individuals. Therefore, the declaration reflects a substantial local commitment to supporting these communities.
- Emergency powers are traditionally for natural disasters and crises like homelessness.
- Critics, including Supervisor Barger, argue that such powers should not be used for complex immigration issues.
- The declaration could lead to a potential eviction moratorium affecting housing stability.
Economic Impact of ICE Raids
County officials report that the ICE raids have destabilized neighborhoods and harmed the economy, causing fear among the workforce. The potential loss in gross domestic product could reach $275 billion due to workforce disruptions. A significant portion of undocumented immigrants in the area are actively contributing to critical sectors of the economy. Recent data indicates:
- 40% of undocumented workers are employed in construction.
- 37% work in cleaning and maintenance sectors.
This emergency declaration by the Board of Supervisors demonstrates a proactive stance in the face of federal immigration policies, aligning local governance with the needs of the community. As the situation evolves, the board’s decisions will play a crucial role in shaping the lives of countless immigrant families in Los Angeles County.
