Los Angeles County officials voted Tuesday to declare a state of emergency in response to ongoing federal immigration raids that local leaders say are inflicting widespread harm on immigrant communities.
The emergency declaration, approved by a 4–1 vote of the Board of Supervisors, grants the county new powers to deploy aid and financial support to residents impacted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. Supervisor Kathryn Barger cast the sole dissenting vote.
Introduced by Supervisors Lindsey P. Horvath and Janice Hahn, the motion highlights the toll that increased immigration enforcement has had on the nation’s most populous county—home to over 3 million immigrants.
“What’s happening in our communities is an emergency — and Los Angeles County is treating it like one,” said Horvath. “Declaring a Local Emergency ensures that the full weight of County government is aligned to support our immigrant communities who are being targeted by federal actions.”
The supervisors cited a surge in fear and instability following ICE activity, which began escalating in early June. The raids have reportedly led to absenteeism at workplaces, decreased school attendance, and disruption at hospitals and places of worship.
According to the declaration, many immigrant families are now facing housing insecurity and have fallen behind on rent. The emergency measure includes provisions for rental assistance, legal aid, and expanded access to public services.
The vote enables county agencies to fast-track emergency contracts, mobilize additional personnel, and seek state and federal funding to respond to the situation.
Although the Trump administration initially framed the latest wave of ICE raids as focused on undocumented immigrants with criminal records, ABC News July analysis revealed a growing number of arrests involving individuals with no criminal history.
The expanded enforcement tactics have triggered a wave of public protests across Los Angeles, with some demonstrations turning tense and occasionally erupting in clashes with law enforcement.
Supervisor Janice Hahn said the county had no choice but to act:
“People are afraid to go to work, to take their kids to school, or even seek medical care. We need to do everything we can to protect them,” she said.
With Tuesday’s vote, Los Angeles becomes one of the largest jurisdictions in the country to formally recognize the humanitarian and economic fallout of aggressive immigration enforcement as a local emergency, pledging urgent intervention on behalf of affected residents.
