Los Angeles County Considers Emergency Declaration Amid Immigration Enforcement Concerns
Los Angeles County officials are set to vote on a proposal to declare a state of emergency, citing financial hardships faced by some residents due to federal immigration enforcement. The Board of Supervisors will consider the measure, which could potentially unlock resources to aid tenants struggling with rent payments.
The proposal suggests creating an online portal for residents to apply for rent relief. However, some supervisors, like Kathryn Barger, have expressed concerns, questioning whether the situation truly qualifies as an emergency and worrying about the potential impact on landlords. Barger was the sole dissenting vote when the board decided to put the declaration up for a vote at its regular Tuesday meeting.
Landlords, still recovering from eviction moratoriums and rent freezes during the COVID-19 pandemic, fear further financial strain. Daniel Yukelson, CEO of the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles, stated that while they sympathize with tenants affected by immigration enforcement, they are unaware of widespread rent payment issues stemming from these actions. He cautioned against policies that could lead to the decline of affordable housing in the area, and said housing providers are sympathetic to tenants and their family members affected by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities.
The vote comes after increased immigration enforcement in the region, which some officials claim has created instability for families and businesses. Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said declaring an emergency “is how we fight back.”
