Los Angeles County is set to launch a cash fund aimed at supporting families impacted by ongoing federal immigration raids, with officials stating the fund will be operational within a month.
The Board of Supervisors approved the initiative with a 4-0 vote on Tuesday, focusing the resources on workers and their families, particularly in smaller counties and unincorporated areas within Los Angeles.
While specific details regarding eligibility and the amount of assistance available have not yet been disclosed, the fund is expected to be funded through philanthropic efforts.
The immigrant community in Los Angeles County has been on edge for nearly two months due to aggressive immigration enforcement by the Trump administration, with agents reportedly apprehending individuals in various everyday locations like swap meets, car washes, and even parking lots.
These raids have created an atmosphere of fear, with individuals reluctant to leave their homes or go to work, balancing the need for financial stability against the risk of deportation.
Supervisor Hilda Solis, who led the initiative, emphasized the county’s commitment to its immigrant communities, stating, “We are sending a clear message: Los Angeles County stands with our immigrant communities, and we will continue to fight to ensure that every resident, regardless of immigration status, has the dignity and support they need to survive and thrive.”
Solis also reassured the public that the county would maintain the confidentiality of those who receive aid from the fund to ensure their safety throughout the process.
In addition to the cash fund, the county is exploring ways to expand financial assistance for small businesses affected by the raids, reflecting a broader commitment to support those impacted economically.
Supervisor Kathryn Barger was not present during the vote, which follows recent announcements from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass regarding the distribution of cash aid to those affected by immigration enforcement.
Bass indicated that the city plans to distribute cash cards, each loaded with “a couple hundred” dollars, funded through philanthropic sources as well.
Addressing the contentious nature of immigration enforcement, supervisors are also considering new measures to ensure that law enforcement is transparent in their identity during interactions.
Supervisor Janice Hahn proposed an ordinance aimed at prohibiting law enforcement officers from wearing disguises in unincorporated areas.
“Law enforcement officers should never wear personal disguises or conceal their identities while interacting with the public in the course of their duties,” Hahn stated.
The county is contemplating additional programs that would protect the belongings of individuals detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in unincorporated areas, as well as establishing a hotline to assist deported workers in retrieving unpaid wages.
The aftermath of the immigration sweeps has left numerous personal belongings—including cars, lawn mowers, and food carts—abandoned without clear procedures for reclaiming them.
Rosa Soto, the head of the Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center Foundation, highlighted the urgent need for support, stating, “Most people don’t know how to get their last paycheck when they are deported, how to reconcile with their equipment or anything that relates to the life that they held here. It is imperative we have the support they need.”
image source from：latimes
