LA County Considers Emergency Declaration Amidst Federal Immigration Raids
Los Angeles County officials are considering a local state of emergency in response to ongoing federal immigration enforcement raids that are reportedly disrupting daily life and impacting local businesses.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors directed staff yesterday to draft a proclamation declaring the emergency, following a report detailing options for protections like an eviction moratorium. Supervisor Lindsey Horvath initiated the motion, responding to concerns raised by the Los Angeles Tenants Union, who argue the raids are creating widespread fear and economic hardship. An eviction moratorium, if enacted, would be temporary and narrowly tailored to address the emergency while respecting landlords’ rights, according to the county attorney’s report.
In related news, Representative Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., has been appointed the top Democrat on a newly formed House committee tasked with reinvestigating the January 6th riot at the U.S. Capitol. Swalwell, who witnessed the events firsthand, stated, “It’s an event where we saw it with our own eyes. And so I don’t see how any effort could make people unsee what happened that day.” This committee is a response to requests from former President Trump and aims to counter findings from the original Jan. 6th Committee.
Also, the Los Angeles City Council has sent a proposal for an outside monitor to oversee the city’s progress on a federal lawsuit settlement requiring 12,915 shelter beds by June 2027 back to committee for further review. A federal judge previously determined the city had not met its obligations under the settlement, citing a “consistent lack of cooperation” – a situation that underscores the ongoing challenges of addressing homelessness in Los Angeles, as detailed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
County staff are expected to present the proposed emergency proclamation to the Board of Supervisors next week, and officials will continue to assess the situation and explore available options for support.
