LA County Supervisors to Talk About Safe Spaces for Immigrant Communities

Los Angeles County Supervisors to Consider "ICE-Free Zones" Ordinance

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is set to deliberate a proposed ordinance on Tuesday aimed at establishing designated "ICE-free zones" across the county. This initiative seeks to prevent federal immigration agents from utilizing county-owned properties as bases for staging, processing, or conducting operations.

The ordinance would mandate signage indicating that the area is under the jurisdiction of LA County and is not permitted for immigration enforcement activities. Notably, it would not hinder the execution of lawful judicial warrants. The upcoming vote directs the county counsel to draft and present the ordinance for consideration by the board.

The proposed legislation follows reports of recent immigration enforcement actions in various neighborhoods, including Glassell Park, Cypress Park, Highland Park, and Eagle Rock. Councilmembers Eunisses Hernandez and Ysabel Jurado noted that these operations coincided with the return of students to the Los Angeles Unified School District after winter break.

“Our schools are protected spaces. Our workforce is following rigid protocols that do not allow any federal agent to come into our schools and take any type of action without a judicial warrant,” said Superintendent Alberto Carvalho. He emphasized the district’s partnerships with community organizations and legal groups to support families amidst concerns surrounding immigration enforcement. Carvalho also mentioned newly added bus routes to aid students whose parents fear accompanying them to school.

These protective protocols were already in place during the previous semester. The board meeting to discuss the proposed "ICE-free" zones is scheduled for 9:30 AM on Tuesday.

The Department of Homeland Security has been contacted for comments regarding the ordinance, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.