L.A. councilmember blasts sanctuary city law: ‘An act of symbolic resistance’

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On Wednesday, the Los Angeles City Council voted 12-0 to approve a sanctuary city ordinance, prohibiting city resources and personnel from being used to support federal immigration enforcement efforts.

Technically, the law passed unanimously – but three of the city’s 15 councilmembers were absent for the vote, and one of them now says she would have voted against it.

Traci Park, who represents much of the Westside, told KNX News’ Craig Fiegner the law could bring retribution from President-elect Donald Trump.

“It could have the unintended consequence of jeopardizing hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding that Angelenos absolutely rely on,” she said.

Park cited SB 54, a state law signed in 2017 that already prevents local law enforcement agencies from using their resources to help federal immigration agencies.

“This week's effort by the council to Los Angeles as a sanctuary city was really just an act of symbolic resistance,” she said.

Park also said she “will never support harboring violent criminals” and that she believes there are some circumstances where undocumented immigrants who are arrested should be handed over to immigration officials.

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The sanctuary city ordinance could go into effect within 10 days of receiving Mayor Karen Bass’ signature.

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