Los Angeles City Council advances sanctuary city law to support immigrant community

The Los Angeles City Council has tentatively approved a "sanctuary city" law that prohibits city employees from participating in federal immigration enforcement. This law aims to support the city's large immigrant population amid concerns over potential mass deportations under President Trump. While the law does not prevent federal deportations, it reinforces existing policies that separate city resources from immigration enforcement. A second vote is needed to finalize the law, which has been in development since early 2023. The law aligns with California's existing restrictions on local law enforcement cooperation with federal agents. Critics argue it may not reflect voter sentiment for stricter immigration control, while supporters believe it will strengthen trust between immigrant communities and local government.