Immigration Policy Updates
What Happened?
Council came back from recess this week, and as Chair of the Civil Rights & Immigration Committee, we hit the ground running and advanced six pieces of legislation to protect our communities from federal attacks:
1. Unmasking Federal “Agents”
The first motion would require LAPD officers to verify the identity of masked people claiming to be federal agents.
The motion from Councilmembers Hernandez and Blumenfield, which we co-sponsored, will now move to the full City Council for a vote.
2. Funding Legal Defense
RepresentLA is a vital program that provides legal representation for undocumented Angelenos facing deportation. We helped win $1 million for it during the last budget cycle, but that’s only a drop in the bucket compared to the immense need right now.
We backed Councilmember Ysabel Jurado’s motion to identify new funding sources for RepresentLA, so we can continue defending the families who need our help the most.
3. City Department Raid Response Protocols
We advanced a motion to get a report on each city department’s protocol for how to respond to an immigration raid, to ensure all departments across the city know their rights and are equipped to do everything we can within the law to protect our residents.
This motion now heads to the Rules Committee (which we also sit on) before moving to the full Council.
4. Demanding Answers From the Feds
We advanced a motion to submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to uncover what federal agencies have been doing in our city since the indiscriminate immigration raids began. The information about wrongdoing learned from this request could be used in lawsuits against the Trump administration.
This motion passed through committee and will now head to the full City Council.
5. Strengthening Laws Against Police Impersonators
We advanced a motion asking for a report on how the City can better enforce existing laws and close any loopholes that allow private individuals to impersonate law enforcement — especially given recent fears about the unidentified armed men in our streets.
This motion now heads to the Public Safety Committee before it moves to the full City Council.
6. Developing a Non-Police Protest Response
Our motion instructing LAPD to work with labor unions and community partners to develop non-police protests responses focused on de-escalation was approved in the Civil Rights & Immigration Committee, and now must be approved by the Public Safety Committee to advance to the full City Council.
What’s Next?
It may feel like things have calmed down since the courts stepped in — but we know that could change at any moment. That’s why we’re moving as fast as possible to defend our communities, even while navigating a system designed to do the opposite.
Two More Quick Hits
- Ghost Kitchens, Real Solutions
City Council approved our motion to explore the creation of exclusion zones around “ghost kitchens” to reduce traffic, idling, and safety issues.
With this idea, drivers would still be just 1–2 minutes from pickup, meaning no disruption to delivery times — but meaningful relief for the residents currently shouldering the burden of neighborhood impacts.
The Department of Transportation will now produce a report on next steps — so stay tuned for updates.
Click here to learn more about our efforts around Ghost Kitchens
- Free Bulky Items Drop–Off Day
The Glassell Park Improvement Association will be hosting a FREE Bulky Item Drop-Off day on Saturday, August 9, beginning at 9am.
The bin will be near the intersection of Verdugo & York in Glassell Park. Email flash@gpia.org for more information.
Save the Date – Organizing & Civic Engagement
Wednesday, August 6 – Prayer Vigil & Walk for Family Unity (6 pm at Placita Olvera)
Thursday, August 7 – Demystifying City Council: A Community Discussion (HYBRID workshop to learn to access local representatives & advocate for your communities)
Save the Date – Community Events
Sunday, August 3 – RiverFest 2025 (a FREE open-air environmental arts and community festival celebrating the culture, history, and people that shape the LA River)
Saturday, August 9 – South LA Pride (7th Annual Family Friendly & FREE pride event)
Saturday, August 16 – Echo Park Rising (FREE music event for all ages celebrating their 15th anniversary)
CD13 Pet of the Week
Meet Ricky Martin, our Pet of the Week!
He's hip, playful, and knows his angles — if you are looking for a canine companion — look no further than this young lad!
Ricky is ready to live la vida loca, email ani.foster@lacity.org to meet him today!
