‘Sanctuary City’ legislation introduced in Los Angeles

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While Los Angeles currently has polices aimed at protecting the rights of immigrants, some city officials feel this just isn’t enough and are looking to take things a step further by introducing legislation that would officially make Los Angeles a “sanctuary city.”

According to the motion introduced Tuesday by Council members Eunisses Hernandez, Hugo Soto-Martinez and Nithya Raman, city staff would be directed to draft an ordinance that would codify a 2017 directive issued by then-Mayor Eric Garcetti that prohibits any city resources, property or personnel from being used for any federal immigration enforcement.

“These policies are subject to change under future administrations and have yet to be enshrined as permanent protections for Los Angeles immigrants,” the legislation reads.

The council previously passed a symbolic resolution declaring Los Angeles a “City of Sanctuary,” but the motion put forth Tuesday would codify sanctuary policies into municipal law.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: City Council passes resolution declaring LA ‘City of Sanctuary’ for immigrants

“Los Angeles is a city of immigrants. As the daughter of two Mexican immigrants myself, I know how important and overdue these protections are to our community members,” said Council member Hernandez. “Symbolic gestures are not enough. Internal policies that can be changed from one day to the next are not enough. Our undocumented residents deserve safety and security. It is long past time for Los Angeles to permanently codify protections for our undocumented community members into City law.”

Specifically, the motion would also direct the city to prohibit inquiring about or collecting information about an individual’s immigration status; engaging in investigation or enforcement related to an individual’s immigration status; providing immigration authorities access to any non-public areas, including jails, without a valid search or arrest warrant; and providing access to city databases or any individual’s personal information or other data to federal immigration authorities.