Los Angeles officials took decisive action on Tuesday to solidify the city and its schools as sanctuaries for immigrants and LGBTQ youth, countering anticipated policies from President-elect Donald Trump’s administration.
The Los Angeles City Council, representing the nation’s second-largest city, unanimously passed a “sanctuary city” ordinance. The measure prevents city resources from being used for immigration enforcement or cooperating with federal immigration agents unless mandated by state law. Mayor Karen Bass is expected to sign the ordinance into law.
On the same day, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) adopted emergency resolutions aimed at protecting immigrant families, LGBTQ individuals, and public education from the expected impacts of the incoming Republican administration. These actions include upholding “respectful” treatment of LGBTQ students and preparing to counter Project 2025, a conservative policy blueprint.
Preparing for Trump’s Policies
City leaders are moving quickly to implement protections ahead of Trump’s inauguration in January. Trump has promised strict border policies and widespread immigration enforcement. Advocates for LGBTQ rights also worry about potential rollbacks of protections for transgender individuals and other marginalized groups.
“We know what’s coming,” said LAUSD Board President Jackie Goldberg. “They’ve told us what’s coming, and we want our students, their families, and all of our personnel to know they are welcome here.”
In response to mounting concerns from immigrant groups, Bass and City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto expedited the sanctuary ordinance.
“This moment demands urgency,” Bass said last week. “Immigrant protections make our communities stronger and our city better.”
Conflict with Federal Policies
The new ordinance enshrines existing protections, including a longstanding Los Angeles Police Department policy that bars officers from inquiring about immigration status or making arrests based solely on it. However, the city’s stance is likely to clash with Trump’s administration, which has pledged to detain and deport undocumented immigrants on a large scale.
Tom Homan, Trump’s pick for “border czar” and former Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) director, criticized sanctuary cities last week. Speaking on “Fox & Friends,” he suggested the administration may withhold federal funding and vowed that enforcement efforts would continue regardless of local resistance.
“If sanctuary cities don’t want to help us, then get the hell out of the way. Because we’re coming,” Homan declared.
Council member Curren Price Jr. defended the sanctuary policy, emphasizing its role in building trust with immigrant communities. “Sanctuary cities represent a moral commitment to uphold human dignity and protect families,” Price said.
Schools Take a Stand
The LAUSD also reaffirmed its commitment to sanctuary policies, barring school staff from cooperating with immigration enforcement or sharing immigration-related information. Teachers and administrators will receive training on how to respond to federal agents seeking access to school properties.
Goldberg stated the district would actively oppose any federal mandates forcing schools to aid in immigration enforcement.
Additionally, the board expanded its policies to ensure respectful treatment of LGBTQ individuals, explicitly including gender identity and expression. A resolution cited the rise in anti-immigrant and anti-LGBTQ legislation nationwide, noting its harmful effects.
Resistance to Project 2025
The school board also took aim at Project 2025, which calls for eliminating the Department of Education and overhauling federal education policies. The board resolved to “protect and defend students, families, and staff from the harm intended by Project 2025.”
Board member Rocío Rivas called the move a necessary defense against threats to public education. “LAUSD stands as a beacon of inclusivity and a safe harbor for all,” Rivas said.
Trump has distanced himself from the project publicly but has included several of its contributors in his transition team. He has repeatedly advocated for the elimination of the Department of Education, calling it a “government education swamp.”
Within 60 days, the district superintendent will present a plan outlining how LAUSD will resist policies stemming from Project 2025 and similar initiatives.
Los Angeles officials are making it clear: their city and schools will remain steadfast in protecting vulnerable communities as political tensions escalate.
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