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L.A. County Declares Local Emergency Over ICE Raids, Setting Up Rapid Aid Response

The move lets the county fast-track rent relief for residents affected by months of ICE sweeps.

Overview

  • The Board of Supervisors approved the proclamation in a 4–1 vote, with Chair Kathryn Barger dissenting and warning of legal and fiscal risks.
  • The declaration authorizes the county to seek state funding and mutual aid, accelerate contracting and hiring, and expand legal and social services.
  • Officials plan to open an online portal for rent assistance within about two months, with program rules and eligibility still to be determined.
  • Any eviction moratorium would require a separate vote, must be temporary and narrowly tailored, and would still require tenants to repay back rent.
  • County leaders cited a climate of fear and workplace disruptions from months of ICE raids, pointing to research on potential multi‑billion‑dollar economic losses and an estimated 950,000 undocumented residents.