Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass signed an executive order Friday reaffirming the city’s support for immigrants in response to the Trump administration’s latest immigration enforcement efforts.
Seeking Transparency from Federal Authorities
Bass announced the city is filing a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to uncover when and where immigration enforcement has occurred in Los Angeles, who was targeted, and the reasons for arrests or detentions.
“We will also be requesting information exposing how much these raids cost taxpayers nationwide,” she said.
City Departments Ordered to Prepare
The executive order directs city departments to submit immigration enforcement preparedness plans within two weeks. It also establishes a working group composed of local law enforcement, immigrant rights groups, community leaders, and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs to coordinate responses and gather input.
Bass Condemns Raids, Promises Legal Action
Bass condemned the Trump administration’s tactics as “unlawful and chaotic” and pledged to continue defending immigrant rights. “I will never accept these unlawful and chaotic raids and will continue to do all that I can to defend the rights of the people of Los Angeles,” she said.
City Joins Lawsuit as Protests Grow
The executive order follows the city’s decision to join a lawsuit challenging the federal immigration raids. Demonstrations erupted in response to June raids that detained dozens of residents, including a prominent labor union leader.
The president responded by deploying the National Guard and Marines to suppress the protests.
For more on immigration, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.