By Reeturaj - Nov 20, 2024
Los Angeles City Council passes a sanctuary city ordinance to restrict assistance to federal immigration authorities, sparking tension with the incoming administration. The LA public school system also pledges to protect undocumented immigrants and LGBTQ students, while Trump's administration warns sanctuary cities against impeding federal immigration crackdowns. With escalating tensions, the concept of sanctuary cities is met with legal ambiguity and resistance from cities like LA, Boston, and New York.
Ted Eytan via Wikipedia
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The Los Angeles City Council has passed a "sanctuary city" ordinance that prohibits local resources from assisting federal immigration authorities. This decision sets the stage for a confrontation with President-elect Donald Trump, who has pledged to carry out mass deportations. The ordinance, which awaits Mayor Karen Bass's signature, restricts the use of city resources for immigration enforcement and limits data sharing with immigration agencies.
Additionally, LA's public school system has reaffirmed its dedication to protecting undocumented immigrants and LGBTQ students. The school district, located near the US-Mexico border, has enacted emergency resolutions aimed at combating anti-immigrant sentiment. Board President Jackie Goldberg expressed her commitment to "fight every inch of the way" against Trump's deportation plans.
Trump's "border czar," Tom Homan, has warned sanctuary cities not to obstruct federal immigration crackdowns. Homan stated that the administration would proceed with deportations regardless, asserting, "We're going to do the job with you, or without you." This position has raised concerns among cities such as LA, Boston, and New York, which have vowed not to allocate local resources for immigration enforcement.
The concept of a sanctuary city, which has gained popularity over the past decade, lacks a formal legal definition, allowing cities to customize their approaches. LA's ordinance aims to transform a 2019 executive order into city law. Council member Nithya Raman explained that the ordinance would prevent federal immigration enforcement from utilizing city facilities or resources.
As Trump's inauguration approaches, tensions between sanctuary cities and the federal government are intensifying. Since Trump's first election, numerous school districts have declared themselves "sanctuaries" or "safe havens." The LA school district's resolution also includes provisions for training teachers and staff on how to interact with immigration authorities. With the recent passage of the ordinance, Los Angeles is poised to challenge Trump's immigration policies, potentially igniting a contentious battle over federal and local authority.
