Los Angeles County officials are scheduled to vote on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, on a resolution to declare a state of emergency in response to what they describe as disruptive and financially damaging federal immigration raids occurring across the region. This declaration, if approved, would grant county supervisors enhanced authority to provide critical financial assistance and legal services to residents impacted by intensified immigration enforcement actions.
Escalating Immigration Raids Spark County Action
The proposed state of emergency stems from a wave of federal immigration raids that began around June 6, 2025, and have since significantly escalated. These operations, primarily conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), have targeted workplaces such as Home Depots, car washes, and cannabis farms, as well as other public gathering spots. The aggressive tactics employed have reportedly sown fear and destabilized households and businesses throughout the Los Angeles area.
Federal agents have apprehended individuals without legal status, but reports indicate that some U.S. citizens have also been detained. The scale and methods of these raids, sometimes involving federal troops and National Guard deployment, have drawn strong opposition from local and state officials, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has pursued legal action against the federalization of the National Guard.
Empowering Relief and Legal Aid
A declaration of emergency would serve as a crucial step for Los Angeles County to mobilize resources. Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, a key proponent of the measure, stated that the declaration is necessary “to give us every tool available to fight back” against the federal actions. The move would enable the Board of Supervisors to allocate funds for immediate rent relief to tenants who have fallen behind on payments due to the raids. Furthermore, it is expected to streamline access to state funds designated for legal aid and other essential services for affected individuals and families.
An online portal for residents to apply for this aid is anticipated to launch within two months. Supervisors also view this declaration as a potential precursor to establishing an eviction moratorium, though such a measure would require separate legislative action.
Diverse Perspectives and Concerns
The proposed emergency declaration has garnered significant support from county supervisors, with a preliminary vote to draft the declaration passing 4-1. Supervisors Hilda L. Solis, Janice Hahn, and Holly Mitchell joined Horvath in supporting the initiative, emphasizing the need to protect vulnerable communities. Supervisor Hahn noted that the raids are “forcing people to choose between staying safe and staying housed” and that emergency powers are essential to combat ICE’s “cruelty and disregard for the law”.
However, Supervisor Kathryn Barger cast the sole dissenting vote, arguing that the immigration raids do not meet the criteria of a true emergency and expressing concerns about the potential financial burden on landlords. Landlord groups, echoing sentiments from the COVID-19 pandemic era, worry that a new eviction moratorium or rent deferral policies could lead to significant financial losses and further exacerbate the affordable housing crisis. Daniel Yukelson, CEO of the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles, stated that the association is unaware of instances where tenants are unable to pay rent specifically due to immigration enforcement activities.
Broader Context: Immigrants’ Contribution and Fear
Immigrants play an integral role in California’s economy, comprising over a quarter of the state’s population and contributing significantly to its economic output and tax revenue. The current federal immigration strategy has generated widespread fear within these communities, leading to a “chilling effect” where residents may avoid essential services for fear of deportation. Local officials believe that declaring a state of emergency is a necessary measure to counter this fear, protect residents, and ensure community stability amidst federal enforcement actions. This Los Angeles news highlights the ongoing tension between federal immigration policy and local efforts to support immigrant populations.
The upcoming vote on October 14th will determine whether Los Angeles County officially invokes emergency powers to address the ongoing fallout from federal immigration raids, aiming to provide a lifeline to those most affected.
