LOS ANGELES, CA — Today, Councilmembers Katy Yaroslavsky and Ysabel Jurado introduced a motion asking the Los Angeles City Attorney to take legal action against the Trump Administration in response to recent immigration enforcement activity reported across the city.
Residents from multiple neighborhoods have reported being stopped, questioned, and detained by individuals claiming to be federal immigration agents, who in many cases are not wearing an official badge or other identification. In some cases, they have presented blank or unsigned warrants, and their actions appear to target people based on race or ethnicity.
“These actions undermine the fundamental civil rights of our residents and threaten the safety of our entire community,” said Councilmember Yaroslavsky. “We have a responsibility to protect our communities from abuse, and that includes holding the federal government accountable when it crosses the line.”
“These actions further terrorize and traumatize our neighborhoods while tearing communities apart,” said Councilmember Jurado. “In the face of this, Angelenos are showing courage and solidarity, and we must do everything in our power to protect them.”
The motion calls on the City Attorney to challenge the use of qualified immunity by federal agents who may be violating constitutional rights.
In a recent court ruling, United Farm Workers v. Noem, a federal judge blocked similar actions by immigration agents in California’s Central Valley.
The proposed legal action would represent residents who may not feel safe coming forward on their own, due to fear of retaliation or further targeting. The goal is to stop unlawful detentions, protect civil rights, and restore trust and safety in Los Angeles neighborhoods.
The motion is expected to move forward to committee consideration in the coming weeks.
###