The Los Angeles Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 today in favor of declaring a state of emergency in response to ongoing federal immigration operations in Los Angeles.
As federal agents ramp up their operations around the country, a state of emergency adds to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors’ executive power, allowing them to provide rent relief for affected individuals as well as allocate state funds for their legal aid.
Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, an author of the item along with Supervisor Janice Hahn, introduced the declaration by acknowledging different organizations and coalitions that resist ICE’s work in the area, including the Coalition of Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) and CLEAN, a carwash worker center. The declaration is essential to assist in the work these organizations are doing, Horvath said.
“Los Angeles County has a responsibility to protect every resident, no matter where they come from or what papers they carry,” Horvath said. “Declaring a state of emergency helps move faster to meet this responsibility.”
The County Counsel elaborated on the effects of the declaration, describing the legal immunity it provides the county for certain actions done “in protection of life and property.” It also provides access to funds and mutual aid that would otherwise be unavailable.
The jurisdiction of this measure only goes so far, said the County Counsel. While the city can restrict federal action in schools or churches, through its ongoing sensitive locations board policy, it will still be unable to interfere with the work of federal agents when it comes to private property.
Supervisor Holly Mitchell, however, said that the county can take further steps if necessary.
“If we feel very strongly that [the raids] are immoral and unethical actions, then that leads into an opportunity for the county to lean in and be willing to take the legal risk, to provide real protections to our residents,” Mitchell said.
Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who was the only one to vote no, criticized this measure for being nothing more than a conduit to an eviction moratorium, which would be harmful to landlords, she claimed.
While an eviction moratorium would require a separate action altogether, the state of emergency now allows for the Board of Supervisors to forbid landlords from evicting tenants unable to pay rent, if they wish to do so.
The last eviction moratorium was enacted during the pandemic, and some landlords are still trying to find their footing.
“[The] previous Covid eviction moratorium went on for several years. I had to stop renting. I could not afford the court battles,” said Solicias Ducan, a Los Angeles County landlord. “I rely on my ownership at a small apartment building in Long Beach to pay my bills. I oppose the eviction moratorium. It would be immigrants that are up against federal immigration law.”
Helen Chavez, communications director for Barger, echoed the same statements.
“One of the difficult nuances of this particular emergency proclamation is that it is not lawful or legal to interfere with federal agents in federal action,” said Chavez. “ What [Barger] is in favor of is investing in programs that are community centered…The county has an Office of Immigrant Affairs under the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs that offers no cost, low cost support to immigrant communities. She would like to see investment in those resources.”
Funds for those unable to pay rent will be made available in two months upon application through an online portal, per Horvath’s office.