The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved four motions to support immigrant communities affected by federal immigration enforcement, including cash aid, expanded food programs and legal challenges to federal restrictions.
The measures, introduced by Chair Pro Tem Hilda L. Solis, aim to address the impacts of immigration raids that began June 6 and federal legislation cutting social services.
"Families are being torn apart by immigration raids, and our safety net is being dismantled by harmful federal policies," Solis said. "Los Angeles County stands with our immigrant communities, and we will continue to fight to ensure that every resident, regardless of immigration status, has the dignity and support they need to survive and thrive."
The first motion establishes a work equipment return program for detained individuals' belongings like food trucks and vending carts left in unincorporated areas. It also expands the county's pet foster program to handle increased animal surrenders due to deportations and creates a cash aid fund within 30 days for affected workers and families. The Small Business Interruption Fund, launching in August, will also be expanded.
For more information on the cash aid fund, residents can sign up for alerts at dcba.lacounty.gov.
The second motion, co-authored by Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, examines impacts of federal legislation including $4.5 trillion in tax cuts for the wealthy while reducing funding for Medicaid and SNAP. County departments must report back within 30 days on effects to local hospitals, public services and the economy.
The third motion, also co-authored by Horvath, responds to Trump administration policies limiting undocumented immigrants' access to Head Start, community health centers and behavioral health services. It directs County Counsel to file opposition comments and join legal action while requiring a 15-day report on expected service impacts.
"These families deserve access to health care, education, and the programs that ensure their well-being – not barriers that put their lives at risk," Horvath said.
The fourth motion, co-authored by Supervisor Janice Hahn, expands the Restaurant Meals Program allowing eligible CalFresh recipients to purchase hot meals from participating restaurants. Only about 2,300 of the county's 26,000 restaurants currently participate.
Since raids began, the Board has passed 11 motions from Solis, including one authorizing legal action that resulted in a temporary restraining order halting raids in Los Angeles County and six other counties.
Edited by SMDP Staff