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Earlier this week, on Monday, the Supreme Court used its secretive Shadow Docket to overturn a Temporary Restraining Order that had been issued by a district court and upheld by a court of appeals, which had barred federal agents from targeting Angelenos based on race, language, or place of work.
The Supreme Court’s ruling is dangerous and raises serious concerns about how federal enforcement will impact our residents and immigrant populations. This ruling will increase the possibility of people being unfairly removed or detained simply based on race and without any explanation, evidence, or warning. This decision will also create fear among families and weaken trust in the institutions that should be working to protect and serve our communities.
But to all Angelenos, I want to be clear – we will not allow the White House, nor the Supreme Court, to divide us. And to all Angelenos, I will never stop fighting for your rights, your dignity, and your safety, despite this administration’s efforts to threaten them. We will stand united.
Standing with immigrant rights leaders and organizations just hours after the decision came down, I said what Justice Sotomayor captured so powerfully in her dissent:
“We should not have to live in a country where the Government can seize anyone who looks Latino, speaks Spanish, & appears to work a low wage job.”
🎥 Watch part of my remarks on the Supreme Court’s decision here.
How We’ve Responded
Since the White House began raids and even federalized the National Guard in Los Angeles this summer, we have taken urgent actions to protect our immigrant community, fearing a decision like the one the Supreme Court handed would happen. So far, we have:
Strengthened city protocols and training: I signed an executive directive requiring every City department to reinforce training and protocols that prohibit the use of City resources in immigration enforcement. Departments are delivering preparedness plans so Angelenos know their city is on their side.
Worked together across departments: We established a working group with LAPD, the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, immigrant rights organizations, and community leaders to gather feedback in order to inform additional guidance for police officers when responding to immigration enforcement activities.
Demanded accountability: We are seeking records from the federal government relating to these raids so we know exactly where civilians are being taken and why.
Expanded access to resources: Each City department is required to bolster protocols and training in compliance with the City’s law prohibiting use of City resources in immigration enforcement and deliver preparedness plans.
Delivered direct resources to impacted families: Together with philanthropy and the private sector, too, we’ve created direct cash assistance – at no cost to taxpayers – for families left reeling.
A Call to Other Cities
In the days and weeks ahead, we will continue exploring ways to support all Angelenos and keep everyone informed. Los Angeles remains committed to standing strong and looking out for our communities.
Other cities may face similar challenges, and preparation is key. The Supreme Court’s decision this week underscores that the work to uphold fairness, dignity, and justice extends beyond our city—it is a shared responsibility across the country.
We will remain united, resilient and committed to working together to move forward.
—Karen Bass
Mayor of Los Angeles
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