Los Angeles Mayor signs executive directive in support of immigrant communities

The Trump administration in recent weeks has targeted Los Angeles for immigration enforcement operations.  The community has been dramatically affected, with fear and trepidation among many people.

Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles has tried to calm the community through an executive directive.  See Mayor Bass Issues Executive Directive to Support Immigrant Communities.  According to the announcement, City of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass signed the “directive to support Los Angeles’ immigrant communities in the wake of unlawful raids conducted by the federal government. She has instructed City Departments to bolster their protocols and training to prepare for federal immigration activity occurring on City property, establishes an LAPD working group and expands access to resources for impacted families. The order also seeks records from the federal government on unlawful raids from federal agencies.” 

Bass emphasized that “Los Angeles remains steadfast in its commitment to uphold the dignity, safety and constitutional rights of all City of Los Angeles residents, regardless of their immigration status. . . . Last month, ICE initiated large-scale immigration enforcement operations across Los Angeles. These operations have heightened fears, torn apart families, disrupted the immigrant community, and interfered with businesses and day to day life across the city. These enforcement actions have deterred City residents from attending school and church, seeking city services, accessing healthcare, and going to work. The City has a responsibility to ensure the safety of all residents, and City departments play a critical role in providing services to support residents and their needs.” 

Here is the CBS Los Angeles story on Mayor Bass’s directive.

It is exhilarating to hear from a political leader offering support to a vulnerable community in very tough times.

KJ