Members of the Los Angeles City Council are working diligently to expedite the process of declaring Los Angeles a “sanctuary city” for illegal immigrants in response to President-elect Trump’s recent win. This law would prevent federal immigration officials from accessing city databases and using city resources for immigration enforcement. Despite being passed last year, the law has been held up in a lengthy legal review and has not yet been implemented.
City Council member Hugo Soto-MartÃnez is a strong advocate for speeding up this process. He has also called on President Biden to reinstate a program that allows illegal immigrants from Central America to remain in Los Angeles. Soto-MartÃnez expressed that people are feeling angry, agitated, and ready to fight back, much like they did in 2016.
As California officials gear up for a potential second Trump administration, Governor Gavin Newsom announced an emergency special session to strengthen the state’s legal response to any future attacks from the federal government. The focus of this session will be on protecting civil rights, reproductive freedom, climate action, and immigrant families.
Newsom emphasized California’s readiness to stand up against any threats to their values and laws. He stated that the state will not regress and allow their progress to be undone. Despite expressing a willingness to work with the incoming president, Newsom is taking proactive measures to defend California’s interests.
The special session is set to begin on Monday, Dec. 2, with Newsom urging the state legislature to allocate additional funds to the California Department of Justice and other agencies. These resources will be used to support legal challenges against any unconstitutional federal actions. During Trump’s first term, Newsom initiated over 100 lawsuits against the federal government.
In conclusion, the efforts to fast-track Los Angeles’ sanctuary city law reflect the city’s commitment to protecting and supporting its immigrant population. The proactive stance taken by California officials demonstrates their dedication to upholding the state’s values and laws, regardless of potential challenges from the federal government. As the political landscape continues to evolve, it is clear that California is prepared to defend its principles and advocate for the rights of all residents.
