Los Angeles County officials have voted to declare a state of emergency in response to the Trump administration’s sweeping immigration crackdown, a move typically reserved for natural disasters.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 on Oct. 14 to approve the emergency declaration, which will allow the county to mobilize resources, expedite contracting and procurement, coordinate interagency response, and request state and federal assistance to protect communities affected by recent federal immigration raids. The board of supervisors said the proclamation will remain in effect until it's terminated by the board.
The proclamation, introduced by county supervisors Lindsey P. Horvath and Janice Hahn, said the tactics used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities and other federal agents have "created a climate of fear, leading to widespread disruption in daily life and adverse impacts to our regional economy."
Ongoing immigration raids and operations across Los Angeles County — which is home to over three million immigrants — have led to a decrease in workplace attendance and strained critical services such as schools, hospitals, and places of worship, according to the board of supervisors.
