LA County Explores Options for Safe Spaces Amid Growing ICE Activity
Los Angeles Supervisors Consider Proposal to Limit Federal Immigration Enforcement on County Property
LOS ANGELES — Street vendors in Highland Park are on high alert following recent detentions by federal agents, prompting a response from local authorities. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is preparing to consider a measure aimed at restricting federal immigration enforcement agencies’ use of county-owned properties.
The proposed ordinance, introduced by Supervisor Horvath, seeks to create so-called "ICE-free zones" on county property. If enacted, it would prevent federal immigration enforcement from using these areas as staging, processing, or operational sites for civil immigration enforcement.
The proposal directs county attorneys to draft the ordinance for discussion within the next 30 days. The measure asserts that county resources should not be utilized for unauthorized civil law enforcement actions. A "staging area" is defined explicitly within the ordinance, describing it as a place intended for assembling personnel, equipment, or vehicles outside of typical operational hours, particularly in ways that disrupt county functions.
If approved, signage on all county property will clearly state, "This property is owned and controlled by the County of Los Angeles. It may not be used for unauthorized civil law enforcement, including civil immigration enforcement, as a Staging Area, Processing Location, or Operations Base." Furthermore, county departments would need to implement physical barriers and signage to restrict access where necessary. Any civil law enforcement agency must also secure a permit from the appropriate county department before conducting operations on county grounds.
Moving forward, if the ordinance passes, the director of internal services, alongside the acting chief executive officer and county counsel, will identify properties that have been or may be used for unauthorized law enforcement activities, including those related to immigration enforcement.
However, the potential implications of this ordinance remain uncertain. Concerns have been raised regarding its possible effects on the county’s relationship with the federal government. The proposal cautions that it could lead to federal litigation and threaten more than $1 billion in annual federal funding. Additionally, it may set a national precedent for local resistance to immigration enforcement.
