A day after federal immigration raids and protests in Los Angeles, the county Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a motion to expand health and social services for immigrant families.
Since June 6, the Trump administration has increased immigration enforcement in the county, including Monday’s operation when an estimated 100 or more federal agents — many wearing vests identifying them as U.S. Customs and Border Protection — appeared to be staging outside MacArthur Park.
Supervisors said raids have targeted parking lots, swap meets, workplaces and schools, disrupting local economies and immigrant communities.
“Fear is deterring residents from going to work, attending church, accessing food, or running errands resulting in devastating impacts to the lives and well-being of immigrant communities,” said Supervisor Hilda Solis. “It has also led to a chilling effect in accessing critical health and social services.”
Solis said hospitals, clinics, and other service providers have reported rising no-shows and appointment cancellations in recent weeks.
With Tuesday’s motion, Supervisors Solis and Lindsey Horvath called for increased support to immigrant families and ensuring equitable access to critical services.
The board directed the departments of Health Services, Mental Health, Children and Family Services, Public Social Services and Public Health to partner with the Office of Immigrant Affairs to study the impact of the raid on access to health and social services.
The departments were asked to increase access to virtual and telehealth services, as well as mailed prescriptions and refills.
The board also called for increased awareness and education programs to help people know how to access remote health and social services, safe places to meet and avoid fraud.
Supervisor Holly Mitchell warned the county could be significantly impacted by the Trump Administration’s “Big, Beautiful Bill,” which would reduce Medicaid spending by about $800 billion, placing additional strain on county safety nets.
