The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to enshrine a “sanctuary city” ordinance into municipal law, formalizing protections for undocumented immigrants as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office. The measure bars the city from using resources or personnel to aid federal immigration enforcement, further solidifying Los Angeles’ stance on immigration policy amidst heightened concerns over mass deportations.
Just the News reports that the ordinance comes as Trump, who has prioritized illegal immigration and border security during his campaign, has hinted at using a national emergency declaration and military forces to conduct mass deportation operations. Los Angeles joins other cities, such as Boston, where Mayor Michelle Wu recently pledged to shield undocumented residents from deportation efforts by the federal government.
California is already designated as a sanctuary state, and this new ordinance codifies similar protections at the local level. Tuesday’s city council meeting was met with debate from Los Angeles residents on both sides of the issue. Supporters of the ordinance argued that it was a moral imperative to protect vulnerable communities from “unimaginable cruelty” that could result from federal immigration raids.
Opponents raised concerns about resource allocation, noting the city’s ongoing struggles with homelessness and housing crises. The Los Angeles County Republican Party strongly opposed the ordinance, suggesting it could inadvertently shield undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes.
“A country without secure borders isn’t a country at all,” said Rozanne Hodge, communications director for the LACGOP. “So-called ‘sanctuary’ cities and states sound warm and fuzzy, but the protections they offer aren’t for *abuelas* getting ice cream—they’re for people who’ve entered the country illegally and committed additional crimes.”
Hodge criticized the use of taxpayer funds to protect individuals with criminal records, adding, “Perpetrators of crimes like drunk driving, robbery, sexual violence, assault, or murder should not be shielded from justice by policies like these.”
The ordinance aligns Los Angeles with other liberal cities taking preemptive steps to “safeguard” undocumented immigrants in anticipation of Trump’s administration. Trump’s rhetoric has fueled concerns that sweeping federal enforcement could disrupt communities and erode trust in local governments.
