Donald Trump’s election as president has sparked debates and protests across the United States.
With a platform focused on strict immigration enforcement and mass deportations, Trump’s victory has raised concerns in immigrant communities.
As his inauguration approaches, cities like Los Angeles are preparing to resist his immigration agenda, according to Digi24.
Los Angeles, the second-largest city in the U.S., is advancing a sanctuary city ordinance to block local resources from being used for federal immigration enforcement.
The city aims to protect undocumented residents and limit cooperation with federal authorities. Mayor Karen Bass introduced the ordinance, which the City Council is moving quickly to approve.
Fight Every Step of the Way
The measure is based on a 2019 executive order. It would prevent federal immigration agents from accessing city facilities or using local resources.
The ordinance also prohibits the sharing of local data with immigration officials. Los Angeles officials say the policy will ensure safety and support for all residents, regardless of immigration status.
The Los Angeles Unified School District is also stepping up. Located about 140 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border, the district plans to declare itself a sanctuary for undocumented students and LGBTQ youth.
Emergency resolutions are expected to reaffirm protections for immigrant students and their families. School board president Jackie Goldberg said the move is a direct response to Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric.
"We will not run in fear," she stated. "We will fight every step of the way."
What is Sanctuary Cities?
Sanctuary cities limit their cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
These policies vary but often include prohibiting police from inquiring about immigration status or refusing to detain individuals for deportation without a warrant.
Los Angeles joins other cities, such as Boston and New York, in pledging to protect residents from federal crackdowns.
Trump and his administration have criticized sanctuary policies. Tom Homan, his pick for immigration enforcement, warned that no city’s resistance would stop federal deportation efforts.
In a recent statement, Homan said, "We will do our job with or without you."
