Los Angeles County Declares Emergency Over Immigration Raids

**Los Angeles County Declares Emergency Over Immigration Raids** Los Angeles County officials have declared a state of emergency in response to ongoing federal immigration raids. The Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 on Tuesday to approve the declaration, which aims to assist residents financially impacted by the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The emergency declaration allows the county to mobilize resources and request state and federal assistance. It also enables the provision of rent relief for tenants who have fallen behind due to the raids. Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, who introduced the measure alongside Supervisor Janice Hahn, emphasized the urgency of the situation. "What's happening in our communities is an emergency - and Los Angeles County is treating it like one," Horvath stated. She added that the declaration would help the county coordinate better and utilize available resources to support immigrant communities. The immigration raids, which intensified over the summer, have instilled fear in many immigrant families, leading to decreased attendance at workplaces and disruptions in local economies. Federal agents have conducted operations at various locations, including Home Depots and bus stops, resulting in over 5,000 arrests in late August alone. Hahn noted the emotional toll on families, saying, "We have residents afraid to leave their homes, we have constituents contacting my office because their family members never came home and they don’t know if they’ve been taken by ICE or where they’ve been taken." The emergency declaration will remain in effect until the Board of Supervisors decides to terminate it. It also opens the door for state funding for legal aid and other services. An online portal for rent assistance is expected to launch within two months. While the declaration aims to provide immediate relief, it could also lead to discussions about an eviction moratorium, which would require separate action from the board. Supervisor Kathryn Barger opposed the measure, arguing that the immigration raids do not constitute an emergency and could unfairly impact landlords. "I’m sure we’re going to be challenged legally," Barger said, referencing potential legal issues stemming from the declaration. Landlords have expressed concerns about the financial implications of another moratorium, especially after the previous COVID-19 eviction freeze. Daniel Yukelson, CEO of the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles, stated that while landlords sympathize with affected tenants, they are not aware of anyone unable to pay rent due to immigration enforcement. "If local jurisdictions once again allow rent payments to be deferred due to ICE enforcement activities, this will lead to the further deterioration and loss of affordable housing in our community," Yukelson warned. The situation continues to evolve as Los Angeles County navigates the complexities of immigration enforcement and its impact on local communities.