LOS ANGELES, Nov 19 (Reuters) – The Los Angeles City Council unanimously passed a “sanctuary city” ordinance on Tuesday, reinforcing protections for immigrants in the city. The new policy will block the use of city resources and personnel for federal immigration enforcement.
This decision comes in response to President-elect Donald Trump’s pledge to enforce mass deportations. Los Angeles, the second-largest city in the U.S., has a population of 1.3 million immigrants, though the city did not specify how many entered the country legally.
Council member Paul Krekorian said the measure was designed to show the immigrant community that their concerns are understood. “This is about ensuring our immigrant community understands that we hear their fears,” he stated.
Before the vote, pro-immigrant activists gathered outside Los Angeles City Hall, holding signs that read “Los Angeles Sanctuary City Now!” and chanting in Spanish, “What do we want? Sanctuary. When do we want it? Now.”
Shiu-Ming Cheer, deputy director of immigrant and racial justice at the California Immigration Policy Center, expressed concern, saying many residents fear the National Guard or other groups will be used to carry out Trump’s deportation plans. “But we’re organized,” Cheer added, reassuring protesters.
The city’s decision follows similar actions in 11 states, which have taken steps to reduce cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Trump, who won the Nov. 5 election, is set to take office on Jan. 20.
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