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LA County Declares Emergency Over Immigration Raids

LA County Declares Emergency Over Immigration Raids

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to declare a local state of emergency in response to federal immigration raids that have shaken immigrant communities and caused economic hardship.

The declaration passed by a 4 to 1 vote, with Supervisor Kathryn Barger opposing.

The emergency status gives the board authority to offer rent relief and other assistance to residents who have lost income due to the raids. Many families have avoided public spaces out of fear. Others have lost income after family members were detained at bus stops, job sites, and other locations.

Supervisor Janice Hahn said her office has received calls from residents who still don’t know where their family members are.

“We have residents afraid to leave their homes, we have constituents contacting my office because their family members never came home and they don’t know if they’ve been taken by ICE or where they’ve been taken,” Hahn said. “We have entire families who are destitute because their fathers or mothers have been taken from their workplaces and they have no way to pay their rent or put food on their table.”

Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, who co-authored the motion, said the raids have disrupted neighborhoods and small businesses across the county. In August, more than 5,000 arrests were made in Los Angeles as part of an ongoing federal crackdown. About one-third of LA County’s 10 million residents are foreign-born.

Some cities canceled Fourth of July events and movie nights this summer as attendance dropped due to safety concerns.

According to Horvath’s office, rent relief will be distributed through an online portal expected to launch within two months. The declaration also allows the county to seek state funding for legal aid and support services. While this move does not enact an eviction moratorium, it could lead to one with separate action from the board.

Supervisor Barger voted no. She said the raids do not meet the legal definition of an emergency and raised concerns about the impact on landlords.

“I’m sure we’re going to be challenged legally,” Barger said, referencing lawsuits from the COVID-19 eviction moratorium.

During public comment, several speakers said they oppose another eviction freeze. Daniel Yukelson, CEO of the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles, said landlords are still recovering from billions of dollars in unpaid rent and lost income during the pandemic.

“If local jurisdictions once again allow rent payments to be deferred due to ICE enforcement activities, this will lead to the further deterioration and loss of affordable housing in our community,” Yukelson said.

“Housing providers are sympathetic to tenants and their family members affected by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities,” he said, “but the association isn’t aware of anyone unable to pay rent because of immigration enforcement.”

The emergency declaration comes after weeks of protests and reports of National Guard and Marine deployments to assist with enforcement. Residents and advocates say it has caused widespread fear and financial instability in communities across Los Angeles County.

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Rental Relief Measure Returns to LA County Supervisors, Gains Approval and Funding Boost

A new emergency fund will provide rental relief for survivors of the Palisades and Eaton fires who are still paying for temporary housing, as well as families impacted by recent ICE raids.

Unanimous Board Approval

After a delay earlier this month, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved the Emergency Rent Relief Program on Tuesday, Sept. 16. The measure passed unanimously, 5-0.

The original motion from Sept. 2 https://www.dailynews.com/2025/09/02/la-county-supervisors-split-over-added-rent-relief-for-families-impacted-by-ice-raids/ called for $10 million. Supervisors increased that amount to $20 million over the next two fiscal years, bringing the total fund to about $30 million.

The board also asked county counsel to explore an eviction moratorium for families impacted by federal immigration raids. A report will be presented on Oct. 7.

Who the Program Helps

The program, set to launch within 90 days, extends earlier rental support created for wildfire survivors that expired in July. Many survivors of the Palisades https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2025/1/7/palisades-fire and Eaton https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2025/1/7/eaton-fire fires remain in rentals, often while still paying mortgages on destroyed homes.

Fifth District Supervisor and Board Chair Kathryn Barger emphasized the need for continued support:

“Their FEMA benefits have begun to run out, leaving them unable to stay housed. And small landlords are struggling with repairs and with their mortgages. Our county cannot allow tenants and property owners to fall into homelessness. Rent relief is also homeless protection.”

The program also covers families hurt by ICE and DHS raids. Since June 6, more than 4,000 immigrants in Los Angeles have been detained at workplaces https://www.dailybreeze.com/2025/09/11/advocates-warn-la-county-area-car-wash-operators-to-be-ready-for-more-raids-decry-ice-tactics/ and on the streets, leaving many households without their primary earners.

First District Supervisor Hilda Solis noted that many families are mixed-status, where some members are U.S. citizens.

“Many of these people have not committed any crimes,” Solis said.

Families facing lost wages and eviction notices are now eligible to apply for assistance.

Community Testimonies and Concerns

During the board meeting, residents testified about the impact of raids and delays in aid.

Emily Phillips of The Rent Brigade said:

“Every 90 days this board stalls means more families risk abduction, or risk eviction. Tenants have lost over 50% of their income since the raids started.”

Third District Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, who represents the San Fernando Valley, where several arrests have occurred, linked the urgency to a recent Supreme Court decision https://www.dailynews.com/2025/09/08/california-democrats-warn-of-implications-of-supreme-courts-immigration-order/:

“With the Supreme Court endorsing racial profiling, we must explore every possible solution to keep our community housed. We know this is necessary and we hear you.”

Program Details

The revised program provides:

For wildfire survivors: Up to six months of rent relief, not exceeding $15,000. Applies to those displaced, those who lost work due to destroyed businesses, and small landlords in unincorporated areas with damaged units.
For families impacted by immigration raids: Up to six months of rent relief, not exceeding $15,000, for tenants in both county and city areas who lost income due to arrests or fear of detention.

Horvath summarized the intent of the measure:

“Los Angeles County will never look away when our neighbors are living in fear of losing both their homes and their livelihoods.”

  • September 17, 2025 in County

Essayli testifying at a microphone

U.S. Attorney Launches Task Force to Investigate Homelessness Fund Fraud

Task Force to Focus on Los Angeles County and Six Other Southern California Counties

U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli announced a new Homelessness Fraud and Corruption Task Force to investigate misuse of funds intended to fight homelessness in seven California counties: Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura.

The task force includes federal prosecutors from the Major Frauds, Public Corruption and Civil Rights, and Civil Fraud sections of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California. Federal partners include the FBI, the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Inspector General, and the IRS Criminal Investigation division.

Los Angeles County alone has more than 75,000 people experiencing homelessness, including over 45,000 in the city of Los Angeles. The other six counties combined have more than 20,000.

Essayli said voters have supported large funding efforts, but billions in spending have failed to solve the crisis. A recent audit found serious problems with how Los Angeles City and County manage homelessness services, including bad data and weak financial oversight.

“California has spent more than $24 billion over the past five years to address homelessness,” Essayli said. “But officials have been unable to account for all the expenditures and outcomes, and the homeless crisis has only gotten worse. Taxpayers deserve answers.”

Los Angeles officials have started pulling away from LAHSA, the joint city-county agency overseeing homeless services. LAHSA has faced repeated criticism over waste, inefficiency, and lack of transparency (Daily News).

Federal support continues despite the concerns. During the pandemic, $100 million in emergency funds went to Los Angeles County. Last month, HUD awarded more than $200 million to address homelessness in the region.

The new task force will prioritize reviewing federal, state, and local programs that receive federal funding. It will also investigate fraud involving private donations meant to help unhoused people.

“Any exploitation of the homelessness crisis via the theft of funds intended to improve conditions cannot and will not be tolerated,” said Akil Davis of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office.

Tyler Hatcher of IRS Criminal Investigation added, “We’re uniquely poised to track any funds granted through federal programs and will help ensure money is spent properly.”

Essayli became U.S. attorney for the Central District of California on April 2 (Daily News). He previously served two terms in the California State Assembly.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed concern about the task force, saying she only learned about it on Tuesday. In a radio interview, she warned against what she called a “fishing expedition.”

“Our purpose is to end homelessness, and especially street homelessness. We do not need to be distracted from our number one mission,” she said.

Bass’s press secretary, Clara Karger, pointed to a 10% drop in street homelessness in 2024 as proof that current efforts are working.

“We’ll continue to focus on saving lives and disrupting the status quo,” Karger said.

LA County Approves $637 Million Budget for Homeless Services

LA County Approves $637 Million Budget for Homeless Services

After debate and multiple amendments, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a $637 million budget for homelessness services on Tuesday, March 25.

The approved funds include:

  • Over $535 million from the 2025–26 Measure A Comprehensive Homelessness Services budget

  • $59 million in one-time carryover from Measure H

  • $42 million from the State’s Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program

More than $96 million from the Local Solutions Fund will go to cities and unincorporated areas. The board had six funding formulas to choose from. Senior Manager Carter Hewgley said Formula No. 6 best encouraged local progress, but the board ultimately adopted Formula No. 4 after an amendment from Supervisor Janice Hahn. She said this formula offered a fairer distribution.

Some city leaders disagreed with the board’s approach. Palmdale Mayor Richard Loa said the plan would reduce funds for communities that need them most. A representative from Councilmember Nithya Raman’s office echoed that concern, noting both Raman and Mayor Karen Bass opposed the new funding metrics.

Several residents also voiced concerns during public comment, especially about a $7 million reduction for new programs and youth homelessness services. Speakers urged the board to prioritize support for youth and immigrant communities who are unhoused or at risk.

Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said Formula No. 4 helped most cities but agreed more prevention efforts were needed. She proposed amendments to restore funding for housing navigation, transitional housing, and youth services.

Supervisor Holly Mitchell opposed that reallocation, explaining she supported prevention but did not want to reduce funding for the Pathway Home Program. The board reached a compromise and adjusted the funding accordingly.

Some commenters asked the board to delay the vote, but Mitchell emphasized the need to act quickly. The board voted 5–0 to approve the funding plan.

Supervisor Janice Hahn said:

“Thanks to voters, our county’s 88 cities will finally have direct, reliable funding to address the unique homeless crises facing their communities with the solutions that work best for their residents. But just because this is new, doesn’t mean we should start small. I want to get our cities the most amount of funding possible so they can start strong, make a difference in unsheltered homelessness, and be real partners in this work with us.”

After the vote, Supervisor Lindsey Horvath released this statement:

“Our communities are tired of the status quo. They are frustrated with sharing their voices only for them to be ignored in the process. The days of rubber stamping are over. It’s time for outcome-based budgeting, where we invest in programs that house the most people with our limited dollars, and standardize care across our system.

“We must ensure every dollar invested in homeless services is used wisely and leads to real results. Cutting funds for our transition-age youth is both cruel and irresponsible, and sacrificing our prevention services cuts our most cost-effective way to keep people housed and risks increasing flow into homelessness. We need more transparency and to genuinely listen to those who are directly impacted.

“This budget underscores the urgent need to consolidate homelessness services into one department, allowing us to better track investments and outcomes, and standardize services to maximize every dollar spent.”

Relief Grants Available for Small Businesses & Workers Impacted by Wildfires

Relief Grants for Small Businesses and Workers Affected by Wildfires

Financial Assistance Available for Recovery

Small businesses and workers impacted by recent wildfires in Los Angeles now have access to financial relief. The City of LA, in partnership with the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), has launched the LA Region Small Business and Worker Relief Funds to support those affected.

Grant Opportunities

Eligible businesses and nonprofits can receive up to $25,000 in grants, while displaced workers may qualify for $2,000 in cash assistance. These funds aim to provide immediate financial support to help recover from economic setbacks caused by the wildfires.

Application Deadline

Grant applications are currently open and will close on February 24, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Small business owners and workers in the City of LA can receive assistance with their applications through WorkSource Centers and BusinessSource Centers.

How to Contribute

Philanthropic donations are welcome to expand relief efforts. Those interested in contributing can visit lacounty.gov/relief to support small businesses and workers in need.

Medical Debt Relief

LA County to Wipe Out $800M in Medical Debt for 200K Residents: Here’s How It Works

LA County Launches Program to Cancel $800M in Medical Debt for 200K Angelenos

Los Angeles County is tackling medical debt head-on, offering relief to hundreds of thousands of residents burdened by unpaid bills. Through a groundbreaking initiative, the county plans to clear $800 million in medical debt for low-income residents, helping alleviate financial stress for families struggling to make ends meet.

How the Program Works

The Medical Debt Relief Program, launched by the LA County Department of Public Health, works in partnership with the national nonprofit Undue Medical Debt. Hospitals participating in the program agree to settle unpaid medical bills for just pennies on the dollar. This allows the county to eliminate $500 million in medical debt for only $5 million, benefiting 150,000 residents in its initial phase.

County officials aim to eventually wipe out $2 billion in medical debt for eligible residents. Here’s a breakdown of the program’s progress and funding:

LA County Board of Supervisors approved an initial $5 million investment to eliminate $500 million in debt.
LA Care Health Plan added $2 million, while the LA County Medical Association contributed $1 million. These funds will clear an additional $300 million for another 50,000 residents.

In total, clearing $2 billion in medical debt would require just $24 million in funding, a small price to pay for massive financial relief.

Who Qualifies?

To qualify for medical debt cancellation:

Read More

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Los Angeles County Approves Year-Round Emergency Homeless Shelters to Combat Climate Crisis

On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the establishment of year-round emergency homelessness shelters that will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This decision marks a significant step in addressing the growing homeless crisis in Los Angeles County.

Under a motion proposed by Supervisors Kathryn Barger and Lindsey Horvath, the board has directed the county CEO to develop a strategy for creating eight round-the-clock shelters, one in each of the county’s Service Planning Areas. Barger and Horvath emphasized the urgency of providing shelter and emergency care for unhoused individuals amid an ongoing climate crisis.

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Storm Damage Resources

In order to advocate for State/Federal disaster assistance on behalf of residents, the LA County Office of Emergency Management is conducting a survey of all County residents (including those within the City of Los Angeles) to submit information on their property damages resulting from the February and March 2023 storms. Visit https://bit.ly/40VCuHg to report major damages. The survey is not an application for financial assistance, nor does it indicate that assistance is now or will become available.

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Unprecedented Blizzard Warning Issued In Los Angeles County

Angelenos may get a rare snow day with snow in the Santa Monica Mountain foothills and blizzard conditions in the San Gabriel Mountains.

A blizzard warning has been issued for Los Angeles County, for the first time in history.

The blizzard warning issued by the National Weather Service applies to the local mountains, but the storm will bring a “cold core” over the entire region Saturday. It’s a major concern in a county with roughly 70,000 unhoused people.

The warning will remain in effect from Friday morning to Saturday afternoon when as much as 7 feet of snow could fall at the highest elevations, according to the National Weather Service. At lower elevations and mountain passes 6 inches to a foot of snow is anticipated. Wind gusts may reach 75 mph, making visibility near zero. Officials are urging drivers not to try to head up the mountains during the storm.

“Travel should be restricted to emergencies only,” according to the NWS. “If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.

“By Saturday night, 2-5 feet of total snow accumulation is likely above 4000 ft with isolated amounts near 7 feet at higher elevations, the weather service warned. “Accumulations of 6- 12 inches likely between 2000-4000 feet, including most major mountain passes.”

Snow levels may drop to 1,500 feet, meaning that the Santa Monica and Santa Susanna mountain ranges could get a rare dusting.

The low-elevation snow will contribute to what could be “the largest amount of 24-48 hour snowfall seen in decades, likely rivaling the 1989 storm, for our Ventura and Los Angeles County mountains,” according to the NWS.

“Snowfall of this rate and amount could lead to damage to structures and trees with an immense threat of avalanches, especially in the eastern San Gabriel Mountains by Saturday,” forecasters said.

Temperatures will be in the 40s and 50s in most of the area, although they will drop into the 30s in the mountains and some valley areas, particularly at night, and into the 20s in the Antelope Valley.

Though residents of Los Angeles and Orange counties awoke to sunny skies, Wednesday, the intense storm looms. The front end of the powerful winter storm moved into Southern California early Wednesday.

Winds began blasting large swaths of the area Tuesday night, rattling windows while knocking down trees and power lines in parts of the South Bay. A tree even fell onto some cars and an apartment building in Manhattan Beach.

High surf, meanwhile, pounded the coast, prompting the closure overnight of the Redondo Beach Pier due to the large waves.

The National Weather Service issued a high surf advisory that will remain in effect for all Los Angeles County beaches until at least 3 a.m. Thursday. Forecasters said waves of up to 12 feet were anticipated, along with powerful rip currents that “can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea.” Forecasters also warned of possible coastal flooding.

The windy conditions that greeted many residents Wednesday morning were expected to diminish, “but it will still be a cool blustery day with a chance of showers mainly over the mountains,” according to the National Weather Service.

“An unusual winter storm will approach the area Thursday and will then produce periods of heavy rain and heavy mountain snow to the region Friday through Saturday night,” forecasters said.

According to the NWS Los Angeles office — which is actually based in Oxnard, this is believed to be the first time it has ever issued a blizzard warning for the area. Forecasters initially said one had previously been issued, but after checking records dating back 40 years, there was no evidence of any such warnings.

Ahead of the blizzard warning, a winter storm warning will be in effect in the mountains until 4 a.m. Friday for the mountains, thanks to anticipated “low elevation snow, strong winds, and very cold wind chills.”

In the Antelope Valley, a winter weather advisory will be in effect until 4 a.m. Friday, with forecasters anticipating 3 to 6 inches of snow in the foothills and 1 to 3 inches on the valley floor, with winds gusting to 45 mph.

When the brunt of the storm begins to arrive Thursday, all major mountain passes will be at risk of snow, while other areas could get up to a half-inch of rain.

By Thursday night, however, things will begin to worsen.

Coastal and valley areas could get between 2 and 4 inches of rain during the storm.

The cold weather posed a major health threat to the unhoused and people without access to adequate shelter and heating.

“Please take precautions to ensure you, your loved ones, and your neighbors are staying safe and warm,” said Los Angeles County Health Officer Muntu Davis, MD, MPH. “The most vulnerable people to the cold are children, the elderly, those with disabilities, and those with special medical needs. If you need a warm place to stay, there are shelters and other public facilities available to help keep you safe, warm, and dry.”

Persons seeking shelter services to stay in a warm place can visit www.lahsa.org/winter-shelter.

The county offered tips for staying safe during this unusual cold spell:

  • Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Never use a generator inside a home, shed, or garage even if doors and windows are open. Keep generators outside and far away from windows, doors, and vents.
  • Never use charcoal grills or camp stoves indoors. Deaths have occurred after people burned charcoal or used camp stoves in enclosed spaces, which produced lethal levels of carbon monoxide.
  • Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.
  • Do not touch or approach a downed power line; call 9-1-1 if you see a downed or damaged electrical line.
  • Avoid using candles. If possible, use flashlights instead. If you must use candles, do not burn them on or near anything that can catch fire. Never leave burning candles unattended or near children or bedding. Extinguish candles when you leave the room.
  • Have a plan for backup power if you or someone in your family is dependent on electricity for medical devices.
  • Wear layers and have blankets available to add additional warmth. Layers will keep you warmer than a bulky sweater. Stay dry to avoid hypothermia.
  • If it is safe, check on neighbors who may need assistance — older adults, people with disabilities, and young children are more at risk in extreme cold.
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