Segun Atanda/
The Los Angeles City Council has approved a sweeping “sanctuary city” ordinance designed to block local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, a move aimed at protecting undocumented immigrants from potential mass deportations under President-elect Donald Trump.
The measure, passed unanimously yesterday, prohibits city departments from using resources for immigration enforcement or sharing information about individuals’ legal status with federal authorities.
While largely formalising existing policies, the ordinance codifies protections already in place through police guidelines and previous mayoral directives.
Councilmember, Hugo Soto-Martinez, a vocal supporter, said the move sends a clear message, “Los Angeles will not cooperate with ICE in any way.”
Advocates echoed this, calling it a vital safeguard for immigrant communities facing renewed fears under Trump’s promises of an immigration crackdown.
The ordinance, supported by Mayor Karen Bass, mirrors California’s broader sanctuary state protections. Critics, however, argued it could strain city resources and exacerbate challenges like homelessness.
Trump previously sought to penalise sanctuary cities during his first term by withholding federal funding.
Los Angeles now joins a growing number of cities doubling down on protections for undocumented residents as immigration debates intensify nationwide.
0