Fact Check: Los Angeles declared a sanctuary city in 2024, banning immigration enforcement assistance.

Fact Check: "Los Angeles declared a sanctuary city in 2024, banning immigration enforcement assistance."

What We Know

On November 19, 2024, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously voted to establish Los Angeles as a "Sanctuary City." This decision prohibits any city resources, including property and personnel, from being used for immigration enforcement or to assist federal immigration agents (City Council Votes To Establish Los Angeles As A 'Sanctuary ...). The ordinance builds upon a previous resolution from 2017 that declared Los Angeles a "City of Sanctuary," but did not codify any sanctuary policies into municipal law at that time (Establishing Los Angeles as a Sanctuary City).

The new ordinance is a response to the political climate following the election of Donald Trump, who has advocated for stricter immigration policies. The City Council emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of immigrants, who make up a significant portion of Los Angeles's population (New York Times). The ordinance also includes provisions to prevent the sharing of data with federal immigration authorities, enhancing protections for immigrant communities in the city.

Analysis

The claim that Los Angeles declared itself a sanctuary city in 2024 is supported by multiple reliable sources, including official press releases from the Los Angeles City Council and coverage from major news outlets. The unanimous vote by the City Council indicates a strong consensus among local lawmakers regarding the need for such protections (City Council Votes To Establish Los Angeles As A 'Sanctuary ..., New York Times).

The credibility of the sources is high, as they include official government communications and reputable news organizations. The press release from the City Council provides direct quotes from council members, illustrating their motivations and the socio-political context surrounding the decision. Additionally, the New York Times article corroborates the details of the ordinance and its implications for immigration enforcement in Los Angeles.

However, it is important to note that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has criticized sanctuary jurisdictions, claiming they protect "dangerous criminal illegal aliens" and undermine federal immigration laws (DHS Exposes Sanctuary Jurisdictions Defying Federal ...). This perspective highlights the contentious nature of sanctuary city policies and the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement in the United States.

Conclusion

The claim that Los Angeles declared itself a sanctuary city in 2024, banning immigration enforcement assistance, is True. The unanimous vote by the City Council to codify sanctuary policies into municipal law, along with the prohibition of city resources for immigration enforcement, confirms this assertion. The decision reflects a significant policy shift aimed at protecting the city's immigrant population amidst a challenging national immigration landscape.

Fact Check: Los Angeles declared a sanctuary city in 2024, banning immigration enforcement assistance.