Outrage has erupted in Los Angeles as local leaders declare a state of emergency in response to immigration enforcement actions, which federal authorities have criticized as being dismissive of the law.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted on Tuesday to enact a proclamation of Local Emergency concerning Federal Immigration Actions, with only one supervisor opposing the measure that contradicts federal legal authority.
The county board asserted that “federal enforcement activities have instilled fear, disrupted community cohesion, and destabilized families, workers, and businesses” throughout the area.
Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the move as unlawful, stating that the only real emergency lies with residents who have elected officials acting against the law.
“The only emergency here is what Los Angeles residents face after electing officials who turn a blind eye to the law,” an ICE spokesperson told Fox News.
The proclamation aims for county departments to “mobilize resources, expedite contracts, coordinate responses among agencies, and seek state and federal support to aid and stabilize affected communities.”
This declaration will remain active until the board decides to terminate it.
Spokesperson Emily Convington criticized the board’s priorities, suggesting they should allocate support for legitimate fire victims instead of shielding undocumented immigrants in their sanctuary city. “While they selectively generate fear, can we assume they are in agreement with ICE removing dangerous individuals from their neighborhoods?” she questioned.
Bondi remarked that the board’s actions facilitate lawbreaking by helping undocumented immigrants evade detention.
“This is true,” Bondi stated during an appearance on “Hannity.” “Our dedicated federal personnel may not receive a paycheck, yet they are committed to ensuring public safety.”
Bondi further asserted that the proclamation serves to protect those in the country illegally rather than the residents represented by the politicians.
<p“They are disregarding the welfare of their own citizens,” she claimed. “This impacts our residents, and we are committed to fighting for the American public.”
The board is composed of five supervisors, each overseeing a specific district in Los Angeles County.
Board Chair Kathryn Barger was the sole vote against the proclamation, cautioning that such actions might lead to legal repercussions.
<p“The federal government has exclusive authority over immigration law enforcement, and local governments cannot obstruct that authority,” Barger warned.
She advocated for comprehensive immigration reform that is fair and practical, allowing for legal pathways for those contributing positively to the community.
The board claimed the raids have “instigated widespread fear, negatively impacting workplace attendance, disrupting local economies, and straining essential services such as educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and community centers.”
The county is home to over three million residents, as highlighted in their statement.
<p“An emergency is unfolding in our communities—and Los Angeles County is responding accordingly,” stated Supervisor Lindsey Horvath.
<p“Declaring a Local Emergency ensures that the entire County government is aligned to assist our immigrant communities targeted by federal actions.”
<p“For months, families have lived under constant threat, with workers detained right at their places of employment. This proclamation is geared towards prompt action—allowing us to act swiftly, coordinate effectively, and leverage all available resources to protect and stabilize our communities. We pledge to stand by our immigrant neighbors, now and always,” Horvath affirmed.
Between June and August, ICE conducted operations resulting in over 5,000 arrests of undocumented immigrants, including gang members, child abusers, and murderers, according to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s August announcement.
<p“Families safeguarded. American taxpayers relieved of the costs associated with their crimes and the burden of their benefits. We owe our gratitude to our courageous law enforcement personnel. Let it be clear: if you are in the country illegally, we will find you, detain you, and deport you. This is just the beginning,” she cautioned.
With contributions from Post wires
