In the city of Los Angeles, post-election fears of deportation are causing significant anxiety among the estimated 1.3 million documented and undocumented immigrants who call the city home. The looming threat of increased immigration enforcement under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration has prompted many immigrant advocacy groups, such as the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), to take action.
CHIRLA, a Los Angeles-based immigrant advocacy organization, has been conducting workshops to educate clients about their rights in case they are confronted by federal officials. The group’s executive director, Angelica Salas, expressed concerns about the potential for increased cruelty towards immigrants in the coming years under Trump’s leadership.
President-elect Donald Trump has made deportation of millions of undocumented migrants a focal point of his presidential campaign, vowing to carry out the largest such effort in U.S. history. Since securing a second term, Trump has appointed Tom Homan as a “border czar” to oversee the deportation process. Homan, who previously served as acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during Trump’s first term, has hinted at the possibility of using the military to assist in deportation efforts.
In response to the heightened deportation threats, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously voted to declare the city a sanctuary city, defying Trump’s enforcement plans. Council member Eunisses Hernandez, who sponsored the measure, emphasized that city resources will not be used to enforce federal immigration laws, ensuring that local officials will not participate in separating families.
The decision to designate Los Angeles as a sanctuary city aligns with California’s status as a sanctuary state since 2018. Across the country, there are over 600 sanctuary jurisdictions, according to the Center for Immigration Studies. Despite these protective measures, the incoming administration remains steadfast in its commitment to enforce immigration laws.
Tom Homan, the newly appointed border czar, issued a stern warning to sanctuary cities, cautioning them against obstructing immigration enforcement operations. He emphasized the administration’s determination to carry out deportations and urged cities not to impede their efforts. Council member Hernandez acknowledged the seriousness of Trump’s threats and emphasized the need for preparation to avoid being caught off guard.
Recent reports suggest that Trump is considering punitive measures against sanctuary cities, such as withholding federal funding from states and municipalities that refuse to cooperate with deportation efforts. Hernandez highlighted the broader impact of deportation policies, noting that mixed-status families would also be affected by the enforcement actions.
As the debate over immigration enforcement intensifies, immigrant communities in Los Angeles and beyond are bracing for potential challenges ahead. The ongoing efforts of advocacy groups like CHIRLA and the sanctuary city designation aim to protect vulnerable immigrant populations from the harsh realities of deportation policies. Despite the uncertainties and threats posed by the incoming administration, these initiatives reflect a commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of all residents, regardless of their immigration status.
