Los Angeles threatens sanctuary city status for serious felony offenders

In late November 2024, the Los Angeles City Council prepared to finalize a revised sanctuary city policy which included significant changes aimed at addressing public safety concerns regarding individuals previously deported due to serious crimes. This revision came nearly two weeks after the city council adopted the initial sanctuary city ordinance, which aimed to protect immigrant communities from federal immigration enforcement actions. Mayor Karen Bass emphasized the need for protective measures for immigrant communities, especially amid rising threats from federal authorities. The revised policy includes exceptions specifically for individuals who had been previously deported after convictions for aggravated felonies. These exceptions align with California's Government Code Section 7284.6(b)(1), which outlines the circumstances under which local law enforcement may assist with federal immigration authorities. The urgency clause accompanying the revised policy allows it to take effect rapidly following the mayor's approval. The foundational aim of the sanctuary ordinance is to prevent local law enforcement from sharing immigration status information, thereby shielding undocumented individuals from deportation and family separation. California established itself as a sanctuary state in 2018 with the passage of SB 54, stemming from growing advocacy for immigrant rights and apprehensions regarding the federal government's response to immigration enforcement under previous administration policies. The sanctuary city designation was consistently challenged by former President Donald Trump's administration, which criticized California's stance as an obstruction to federal immigration enforcement and threatened withholding federal funding to compel compliance.