Los Angeles, the second-largest city in the United States, is gearing up to confront President-elect Donald Trump over immigration policies. The city council recently approved a “sanctuary city” ordinance aimed at safeguarding undocumented immigrants by limiting local cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
City Council Passes Sanctuary Ordinance
The new ordinance, inspired by a 2019 executive order, ensures that city resources and facilities cannot be used for immigration enforcement. It also restricts data sharing between city officials and federal immigration agencies. Council member Nithya Raman emphasized the ordinance’s importance, stating it will protect the city’s immigrant community by preventing federal agents from leveraging local resources. The legislation, awaiting Mayor Karen Bass’s signature, aligns Los Angeles with other cities like New York and Boston, which have similarly committed to withholding local support for federal immigration crackdowns.
Schools as Safe Havens
In addition to the city council’s action, the Los Angeles Unified School District has reaffirmed its status as a sanctuary for undocumented and LGBTQ students. In a series of emergency resolutions, the district aims to counteract what board president Jackie Goldberg described as the incoming administration’s anti-immigrant and anti-LGBTQ sentiment. The resolutions include continued sanctuary protections for students and their families and mandatory training for teachers and staff on communicating with immigration authorities. Goldberg declared the district’s resolve to resist federal policies: “We’re not going to be running in fear. We’re going to fight you every inch of the way.” Los Angeles joins dozens of other school districts across the country that have declared themselves sanctuaries since Trump’s initial election, providing reassurance to students that they will not face deportation.
Federal Pushback and a Likely Standoff
Trump, who will be inaugurated in two months, has vowed to implement mass deportations and appointed Tom Homan, a staunch opponent of sanctuary cities, as his “border czar.” Homan has warned that sanctuary policies will not deter the administration’s immigration enforcement efforts. In an interview with Fox News, Homan asserted, “Nothing will stop us from deporting migrant criminals. We’re going to do the job with you or without you.” His comments reflect the administration’s commitment to its immigration agenda, despite local resistance.
The term “sanctuary city” has no legal definition but generally refers to municipalities that limit their cooperation with federal immigration authorities. While the designation has existed for over a decade, it has gained renewed attention as cities like Los Angeles adopt more formalized policies to protect their immigrant populations. As Los Angeles braces for potential conflict with the federal government, its actions signal a firm commitment to shielding vulnerable communities. The city’s leaders are sending a clear message: they are prepared to stand their ground and defend their values against policies they view as harmful and unjust.
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