President-elect Donald Trump says he plans to carry out mass deportations of migrants when he returns to the White House. In response, sanctuary cities are gearing up for a battle against Trump’s plan and preparing to protect undocumented immigrants living in their cities.
The Los Angeles City Council passed a new ordinance Tuesday, Nov. 19. The ordinance solidifies its sanctuary city stance.
City lawmakers passed the legislation unanimously. It prohibits the use of city resources and police officers for immigration enforcement. It also bars city departments from sharing information on undocumented individuals with federal authorities.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is expected to sign the legislation. She and City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto proposed fast-tracking protections for undocumented immigrants living in southern California.
“This moment demands urgency,” Bass said in a statement. “Immigrant protections make our communities stronger and our city better.”
On the campaign trail, Trump promised to crack down on illegal immigration. He appointed former Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Tom Homan to be his “border czar.”
Homan has said the administration will double the number of agents to get the job done even if a sanctuary city refuses to cooperate with the Trump agenda.
“I’ve seen some of these Democratic governors who say they’re going to stand in the way, they’re gonna make it hard for us,” Homan said in an appearance on Fox News. “Well a suggestion. If you’re not going to help us, get the hell out of the way because we’re gonna do it.”
On Monday, Nov. 18, Trump said he’s preparing to declare a national emergency when he’s sworn in. That would allow him to use military assets to carry out his mass deportation plan.
