Mayor Karen Bass Pushes for Los Angeles Sanctuary City Ordinance Ahead of Trump’s Inauguration

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced efforts on Wednesday, November 13th, to establish the city as a formal sanctuary for undocumented immigrants before President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January. Working closely with City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto and immigrant-rights groups, Bass is expediting the release of a proposed ordinance aimed at solidifying protections for immigrant communities.

During a radio interview, Bass emphasized the urgency of the measure, stating, “We will stand with the immigrant community and whatever policy they put forward.” While California has been a sanctuary state since 2014, Los Angeles lacks a formal sanctuary city designation. Bass noted, “I was actually surprised about that because I thought we were a sanctuary city for years.” The ordinance seeks to codify existing policies that limit city cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

The proposed ordinance, building on previous protections, would prohibit the use of city resources for federal immigration enforcement. It mirrors a 2019 directive by former Mayor Eric Garcetti, which instructed local law enforcement to refrain from sharing information with federal agencies or inquiring about immigration status. Special Order 40, which prevents Los Angeles police from arresting individuals solely for their immigration status, is also expected to be enshrined in city law.

Trump’s appointment of Tom Homan as his “border czar” has heightened concerns among immigrant advocates. Homan has vowed to intensify deportations, stating, “Nothing will stop us from deporting migrant criminals.” He also suggested withholding federal funding from sanctuary jurisdictions, a move that Pedro Trujillo of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights criticized, saying, “Withholding federal funds impacts taxpayers, including undocumented immigrants.”

Bass’s proposal has garnered support from immigrant advocacy organizations. Trujillo highlighted the ordinance’s importance as a layer of protection against potential federal crackdowns, adding, “The city’s passage of this ordinance would provide much-needed security for immigrant communities.”

As the City Council prepares to vote on the measure, Bass reaffirmed her commitment to immigrant protections, stating, “This moment demands urgency.” The ordinance reflects a broader push by Democratic leaders to counter what is expected to be Trump’s hardline immigration agenda.