LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles County officials will vote Tuesday on whether to declare a state of emergency that would empower them to assist residents financially impacted by ongoing federal immigration raids.
The proposed declaration would enable the LA County Board of Supervisors to provide rent relief for tenants facing financial difficulties as a result of federal enforcement actions. Additionally, it could redirect state resources for legal aid and various support services.
Supervisor Lindsey Horvath's office indicated that residents would be able to apply for these funds through an online portal set to launch within two months. The declaration may also lead to an eviction moratorium, subject to further action by the Board of Supervisors.
Landlords, however, are concerned about potential financial implications following prolonged eviction and rent increase bans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since June, Los Angeles has seen a surge in federal immigration enforcement actions, including the deployment of National Guards and Marines. These raids have targeted individuals without legal status across various public areas, leading to protests and widespread community anxiety.
Horvath, alongside colleague Janice Hahn, expressed that the raids have instigated fear and disrupted not only households but businesses as well. Horvath emphasized the need for the emergency declaration as a form of resistance against the federal actions.
In a recent vote, the five-member board showed majority support for bringing the emergency declaration to a vote, with one dissenting opinion by Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who argued that the raids do not constitute an emergency situation and that landlords might face undue hardship.
Barger noted concerns that legal challenges could arise from this declaration, recalling the numerous lawsuits stemming from the county's past eviction moratorium during the pandemic.
Landlords reported significant financial losses from past rent freezes, expressing empathy for tenants affected by immigration enforcement but questioning the necessity of the proposed emergency measures. They warned that allowing rent deferrals based on ICE enforcement could exacerbate the already fragile affordable housing landscape in the community.
