LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles County officials will vote Tuesday on whether to declare a state of emergency that would empower them to provide assistance for residents who have suffered financially due to ongoing federal immigration raids. This emergency move would allow the LA County Board of Supervisors to offer rent relief for tenants who have fallen behind due to the impact of the crackdown on immigrants. Furthermore, it could facilitate access to state funding for legal aid and other essential services.
Online applications for rent assistance would be made available in the next two months, according to Supervisor Lindsey Horvath’s office. This declaration of emergency might also pave the way for an eviction moratorium, although this would necessitate further action from the supervisors.
Concerns among landlords have arisen regarding the potential repercussions on their financial stability, particularly after experiencing an extended ban on evictions and rental increases during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since June, Los Angeles has witnessed heightened tensions due to the Trump administration's aggressive immigration policies, resulting in protests and deployments of National Guards and Marines. Federal agents have been apprehending immigrants without legal status in various public spaces such as Home Depots, car washes, and bus stops. Some U.S. citizens have reportedly been detained as well.
In light of the situation, Horvath and Supervisor Janice Hahn have expressed that the raids have instilled fear within communities, undermining household stability and disrupting businesses. They are targeting families, disrupting classrooms, silencing workers, and forcing people to choose between staying safe and staying housed, Horvath stated, calling for asserting a fight back through declaring an emergency.
The decision to place the emergency declaration to a vote was proposed last week, passing with a 4-1 vote, with Supervisor Kathryn Barger dissenting, citing that the immigration raids did not constitute an actual emergency and raised concerns about imposing unfair burdens on landlords. Barger also anticipated potential legal challenges stemming from the decision, as similar actions during the pandemic resulted in multiple lawsuits.
Landlords continue to feel the financial burden of the COVID-era regulations that have significantly impacted their rental incomes. Daniel Yukelson, CEO of the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles, acknowledged the efforts to support affected families but stressed that his association has not received reports indicating that tenants are unable to pay rent specifically due to immigration enforcement. Yukelson warned that any deferral of rent payments linked to ICE activities would further erode the availability of affordable housing in the region.
Online applications for rent assistance would be made available in the next two months, according to Supervisor Lindsey Horvath’s office. This declaration of emergency might also pave the way for an eviction moratorium, although this would necessitate further action from the supervisors.
Concerns among landlords have arisen regarding the potential repercussions on their financial stability, particularly after experiencing an extended ban on evictions and rental increases during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since June, Los Angeles has witnessed heightened tensions due to the Trump administration's aggressive immigration policies, resulting in protests and deployments of National Guards and Marines. Federal agents have been apprehending immigrants without legal status in various public spaces such as Home Depots, car washes, and bus stops. Some U.S. citizens have reportedly been detained as well.
In light of the situation, Horvath and Supervisor Janice Hahn have expressed that the raids have instilled fear within communities, undermining household stability and disrupting businesses. They are targeting families, disrupting classrooms, silencing workers, and forcing people to choose between staying safe and staying housed, Horvath stated, calling for asserting a fight back through declaring an emergency.
The decision to place the emergency declaration to a vote was proposed last week, passing with a 4-1 vote, with Supervisor Kathryn Barger dissenting, citing that the immigration raids did not constitute an actual emergency and raised concerns about imposing unfair burdens on landlords. Barger also anticipated potential legal challenges stemming from the decision, as similar actions during the pandemic resulted in multiple lawsuits.
Landlords continue to feel the financial burden of the COVID-era regulations that have significantly impacted their rental incomes. Daniel Yukelson, CEO of the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles, acknowledged the efforts to support affected families but stressed that his association has not received reports indicating that tenants are unable to pay rent specifically due to immigration enforcement. Yukelson warned that any deferral of rent payments linked to ICE activities would further erode the availability of affordable housing in the region.
