L.A. City Council expected to finalize ‘sanctuary city’ ordinance

LA City Hall
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Los Angeles City Council is expected to finalize and sign off on the sanctuary ordinance on Wednesday, which would protect migrants in the city.

The ordinance was passed on November 19 after a 13-0 vote.

When finalized, the ordinance would prohibit using city resources or city personnel to help the feds from enforcing immigration law. KNX News’ Jon Baird also reported that it would close a loophole prohibiting sharing data with the feds directly or indirectly.

If the city council approves the law, it would go to Mayor Karen Bass’ office for her to sign. When Mayor Bass signs it with an urgency clause it will go into effect within 10 days.

Baird spoke with some residents who say they’re in favor of L.A. becoming a sanctuary city.

“Immigrants are a big part of our community and they contribute to the economy as well,” one woman said.

“I think that in the political climate, that we have a population in our state, in our city or our country that people are in danger, and if there's a safe place for them, I would be for it,” a man said.

One man, however, told Baird that he’s against it.

“I mean, if you want to come in here, you should come in here the right way,” he said.

Immigration attorney Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch told L.A.’s Morning News that sanctuary city laws allow immigrants to feel safe in reporting crimes and accessing things like homeless shelters and rape shelters.

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“And I know from working with a lot of immigrants that these ordinances go a very long way for people,” she said. “It attracts immigrants which, you know, can be good for the workforce, good for the economy. Ultimately, I think it's a good move by the city but it is going to draw the ire and the attention of the Trump administration.”

After the ordinance was passed last month, the  Los Angeles County Republican Party issued the following statement:

“A country without secure borders isn't a country at all. So-called `sanctuary' cities and states sound warm and fuzzy, but the protections they offer aren't for abuelas getting ice cream, they're for people who've entered the country illegally and committed additional crimes. Whether drunk driving, robbery, sexual violence, assault or murder, none of those should go unpunished. Perpetrators should definitely not be protected by the largesse taken from hard-working taxpayers.

"If the city of Los Angeles would like to have thriving, safe, clean streets and businesses in time for the Olympics, maybe they could accept the will of the people who recently tossed George Gascón out on his ear and focus on public safety for everyone."

On Nov. 8, Tom Fitton, the president of Judicial Watch, wrote on Truth Social, “GOOD NEWS: Reports are the incoming @RealDonaldTrump administration prepared to declare a national emergency and will use military assets to reverse the Biden invasion through a mass deportation program.”

President-elect Donald Trump responded to the post with “TRUE!!!”

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