Los Angeles County officials declared a state of emergency Tuesday in response to a series of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids across the region, marking the latest clash between California’s Democratic leadership and President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.

The declaration, approved by a 4-1 vote of the county’s Board of Supervisors, authorizes the use of emergency funds to support residents affected by immigration enforcement operations.

The order allows for rent relief, legal aid, and other assistance for individuals and families impacted by the ICE actions.

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Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, who sponsored the motion, said her office will launch an online portal within two months to process applications for financial assistance.

Supervisor Kathryn Barger cast the sole vote against the declaration, arguing that the immigration raids did not meet the criteria of an emergency and warning that the measure could be challenged in court.

“I’m sure we’re going to be challenged legally,” Barger said, noting that the county’s eviction moratorium during the COVID-19 pandemic led to multiple lawsuits.

The move comes amid an ongoing federal crackdown on illegal immigration. Federal agents have carried out operations throughout Los Angeles County in recent weeks, arresting more than 5,000 people since late August, according to ICE.

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Many of the arrests occurred at workplaces, public transit areas, and other public spaces.

The Los Angeles area, home to roughly 10 million residents, includes a population in which nearly one-third were born outside the United States.

Attorney General Pam Bondi criticized the declaration during an appearance on Fox News with host Sean Hannity.

When asked if California’s plan to provide rent relief to individuals affected by ICE enforcement was legal, Bondi responded, “It is,” calling the action a violation of federal law.

She added that federal law enforcement officials were “probably not getting a paycheck” during the ongoing government shutdown, noting that Democratic fundraising efforts were continuing despite the stoppage.

ICE responded to the Los Angeles emergency declaration in a statement to Fox News Digital, calling it political theater.

“The only state of emergency is the one the residents of Los Angeles face after electing officials who give a middle finger to the law,” spokesperson Emily Convington said.

She added that local funds “should support law-abiding fire victims who still haven’t recovered, instead of criminal illegal aliens seeking refuge in their sanctuary city.”

Convington also addressed public criticism of ICE operations, saying, “While they publicly fear-monger, I would be shocked if they didn’t agree with ICE removing a child rapist from their neighborhood.”

President Trump’s team also weighed in on the issue.

Spokesperson Abigail Jackson told Newsweek, “The real emergency is the countless criminal illegal aliens that Joe Biden let waltz across our Southern Border and terrorize American communities. President Trump is fulfilling the promise he was elected on—deporting criminal aliens—whether Democrat politicians like it or not.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom posted a video criticizing President Trump’s immigration policies but stopped short of endorsing Los Angeles County’s emergency declaration.

The clip, tied to Newsom’s promotion of Proposition 50—a ballot measure to restructure congressional districts—accused the president of seeking to “take over American cities with the military.”

The ICE raids have prompted widespread concern within immigrant communities across Southern California.

Supervisors Janice Hahn and Horvath said the operations have disrupted local households and businesses, with many residents too fearful to leave their homes or go to work.

“We have residents afraid to leave their homes, we have constituents contacting my office because their family members never came home and they don’t know if they’ve been taken by ICE or where they’ve been taken,” Hahn said.

Landlords and property groups have raised concerns that the measure could lead to another eviction moratorium, similar to those enacted during the pandemic.

Daniel Yukelson, CEO of the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles, said that housing providers “are sympathetic to tenants and their family members affected by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities,” but warned that any rent deferrals tied to immigration enforcement “will lead to the further deterioration and loss of affordable housing in our community.”

The Los Angeles emergency declaration underscores California’s continued defiance of federal immigration policy as Governor Newsom positions himself for a potential 2028 presidential run.

Federal and state officials have not confirmed whether additional legal action will follow the county’s decision.

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