The Trump administration has recently requested a halt to a federal court decision that curtailed the extent of immigration raids taking place throughout Southern California. As from early June, the Deportation Data Project has revealed that an approximate figure of 3,000 individuals has been arrested within the area during these operation campaigns.
Eunisses Hernandez, the LA City Councilmember of District 1, which encompasses MacArthur Park and the wider Westlake neighborhood, are sites that have experienced significant raids and targeted measures by federal immigration agents. However, the precise number of raids executed within her jurisdiction remains indefinite until now.
Hernandez has observed increased activities in specific locations such as numerous Home Depots and day labor centers. Grassroots organizations have emerged as valuable sources of information in relation to the ongoing raids.
Presently, the LA City considers the potential legal avenues to counteract these interventions. An important aspect of this consideration is how to assist citizens impacted by these measures.
Hernandez highlights some of the envisaged support mechanisms, such as driving community defence initiatives, providing education on individual legal rights, and coordinating food delivery services. All these efforts are meant to support Angelenos in need and mitigate the consequences of the disruptive raids.
A pressing concern is the possibility that residents, intimidated by these raids, could either suffer starvation or be evicted due to avoidance of leaving their homes. ‘We are striving to take tangible steps to ensure people are fed, remain in their homes, and prevent a further federal intrusion into our city,’ says Hernandez.
The LAPD has opened investigations into over 80 potential cases of inappropriate conduct during protests against these immigration raids. Allegations include incidents where officers are accused of utilizing excessive force.
Towards the end of June, Hernandez proposed a series of motions within the City Council that she believes will promote better accountability during demonstrations. One of the main areas of focus involves establishing protocols for how the police force should behave if summoned to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement efforts.
Last week, according to Hernandez, indirect information revealed a widespread lack of comprehension about the gravity of the situation in LA. In facing the implications of increased funding for federal immigration actions, she asserts,
‘What I want to stress vehemently is that the occurrences here won’t be confined to our region. What’s happening here is being bankrolled to occur elsewhere, and effectively on your doorstep. Essential to note, the entire nation heavily depends on the labor of our immigrant communities.’