Fact Check: Los Angeles declared a sanctuary city in 2024, banning collaboration with ICE.

Fact Check: Los Angeles Declared a Sanctuary City in 2024, Banning Collaboration with ICE

What We Know

On November 19, 2024, the Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously to approve a sanctuary city ordinance. This ordinance prohibits the use of city resources for immigration enforcement and restricts city departments from sharing information about individuals without legal status with federal immigration authorities, specifically ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) (AP News). The move was largely in response to anticipated mass deportations under the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump, who had previously promised a crackdown on immigration (NPR).

Los Angeles has a significant undocumented population, and the ordinance aims to provide a safer environment for these individuals, allowing them to report crimes without fear of deportation (NPR). Although the city already had policies in place that limited cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, this ordinance codifies those protections into law, making them more formal and enforceable (AP News).

Analysis

The claim that Los Angeles declared itself a sanctuary city in 2024 is supported by multiple reliable sources. The unanimous vote by the City Council indicates a strong political consensus on the issue, reflecting the city's commitment to protecting its immigrant population (NBC Los Angeles). The ordinance is a formalization of existing practices, as the Los Angeles Police Department had already been operating under guidelines that discouraged inquiries into individuals' immigration status (AP News).

However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of such ordinances can be limited. While local governments can choose not to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, they cannot legally prevent ICE from operating within their jurisdictions (NPR). Critics of sanctuary city policies argue that they may inadvertently encourage more illegal immigration and strain local resources (AP News). Nonetheless, supporters assert that these measures are essential for fostering trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement, thereby enhancing public safety (NPR).

The sources used in this analysis are credible and come from established news organizations, including the Associated Press and NPR, which are known for their journalistic integrity. The information presented is consistent across these sources, further validating the claim.

Conclusion

The claim that Los Angeles declared itself a sanctuary city in 2024 and banned collaboration with ICE is True. The City Council's unanimous vote to enact the ordinance demonstrates a clear commitment to protecting undocumented immigrants from potential federal immigration actions. While the ordinance formalizes existing practices, it represents a significant step in the city's approach to immigration policy amid changing federal dynamics.

Fact Check: Los Angeles declared a sanctuary city in 2024, banning collaboration with ICE.