Los Angeles County officials voted Tuesday to declare a state of emergency over ongoing federal immigration raids.
The proclamation gives the county the power to help residents who they say have been financially affected by the action of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The statement was introduced by County Supervisors Lindsey P. Horvath and Janice Hahn and passed 4-1, with Supervisor Kathryn Barger opposed.
Los Angeles County is home to more than 3 million immigrants, according to supervisors, who said ICE raids have “caused widespread fear” and led to “a decline in workplace attendance, disruptions of local economies and pressure on critical services such as schools, hospitals and venues of worship.”
Among the provisions of the declaration are rent relief for tenants who have fallen behind as a result of ICE raids and money for legal aid and other services.
A man waves the American flag in front of LAPD officers during the national No Kings protest in Los Angeles, California, on June 14, 2025.
Benjamin Hanson/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty
Tuesday’s vote allows county supervisors to mobilize resources, request state and federal financial assistance to respond to the impacts of the raids and accelerate hiring to address the crisis.
“What is happening in our communities is an emergency, and Los Angeles County is treating it as such,” Horvath said in a news release. “Declaring a local emergency ensures that the full weight of county government is aligned to support our immigrant communities that are being targeted by federal actions.”
ICE raids began in Los Angeles in early June, sparking demonstrations that at times turned violent.
While Trump’s deportation push was initially said to focus on undocumented immigrants with criminal records, an ABC News analysis of data in July showed that the Trump administration has arrested an increasing number of immigrants without criminal convictions.
“For months, families have been threatened and workers have been driven from the workplace,” Horvath said. continued. “This proclamation is about action and speed: it allows us to move faster, coordinate better, and use every tool available to protect and stabilize our communities. We will continue to support our immigrant neighbors, today and for as long as necessary.”
The emergency declaration will remain in effect until the board rescinds it, according to the statement.
ABC News’ Tristan contributes to this report.
