The Los Angeles City Council will reconvene Wednesday following a roughly one-month recess, with plans to address the impacts of federal immigration enforcement activity and efforts to rebuild parts of Pacific Palisades affected by a wildfire.
Since June 6, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have conducted operations in the city and across L.A. County, sparking fear among immigrants and prompting some residents to remain indoors to avoid potential detention.
On Wednesday, City Council members will consider transferring $500,000 to cover a contract with Covington & Burling, LLP, for legal services related to a potential federal congressional committee investigation.
While details of the possible case were not disclosed — and members may enter closed session or meet behind closed doors to discuss it — the Trump Administration previously targeted other Democratic-led cities, in particular municipalities designated as so-called “sanctuary cities,” prohibiting city resources from being used in federal immigration enforcement.
Additionally, the City Council will consider allocating $350,000 for an emergency fund to assist residents impacted by ICE activity, who live in the Thirteenth Council District, encompassing the Hollywood area.
Councilman Hugo Soto-Martinez, who represents CD 13, proposed the initiative, which would be implemented by MoCaFi, a banking company. The city previously partnered with MoCaFi to launch Angeleno Connect, a digital platform to provide residents with contactless access to cash benefits, city services and a low-fee mobile banking account.
The city used the digital platform as part of its 2022-23 guaranteed income pilot program.
Council members are expected to vote on a motion introduced by Councilwoman Traci Park, who called for a report asking for details on recruitment and hiring practices being used by the city and its contractors for reconstruction of Pacific Palisades.
ICE operations took place at workplaces across the region, including construction sites, restaurants, hotels, car washes, and among street vendors and garment workers. Elected officials criticized the actions, saying they disrupt recovery efforts and hurt the local economy.
Federal officials previously stated that ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents have not targeted workers in fire recovery zones.
“ICE and CBP have NOT targeted any construction sites in Altadena and the Palisades,” Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security told The New York Times, adding that “we will continue to work to get the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens off of America’s streets.”
City officials and immigrant-rights groups have responded to the enforcement activity by organizing emergency aid, food deliveries and legal support.
The city also joined a federal lawsuit led by Southland residents, workers and advocacy groups accusing the Department of Homeland Security of unlawful arrest tactics and mistreatment of detainees.
A federal appeals court heard arguments Monday in the Trump administration’s request to lift a temporary restraining order blocking enforcement activity in Southern California. A hearing in the case is scheduled for Sept. 24.
Other items on Wednesday’s agenda include a final vote on new rules prohibiting racial and sexist epithets during public comment at council meetings, adjusting voucher payments for the city’s spay and neuter program, and setting the salary for Justin Ramirez, executive director of the Charter Reform Commission.