LA rally protests looming Trump immigration policies
Hundreds of protesters gathered in downtown Los Angeles on International Migrants Day, demonstrating against anticipated immigration policies of the incoming Trump administration. The march, organized by the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) and other advocacy groups, culminated at the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement office.
The demonstration is part of a nationwide initiative by the Fair Immigration Reform Movement, involving immigrant rights groups across 26 states. Protesters are urging the Biden Administration and Congress to establish protections for immigrant families before Trump takes office.
Los Angeles, home to over 950,000 undocumented immigrants, recently enacted a sanctuary city ordinance limiting city cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The policy restricts assistance to cases involving previously deported individuals with serious felony convictions.
Mayor Karen Bass expressed support for the immigrant community, while city officials cited Trump's election as the catalyst for the sanctuary policy. Trump's proposed "border czar," Tom Homan, has announced plans to reinstate workplace immigration raids and has issued stern warnings to sanctuary cities.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta released consumer alerts informing immigrants of state protections, including SB 54, the sanctuary state law limiting local authorities' cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Governor Gavin Newsom has initiated efforts to strengthen California's laws against potential federal immigration policies.
The demonstrations reflect growing tension between state and federal approaches to immigration policy, with California positioning itself as a stronghold of immigrant protections against Trump's promised deportation initiatives. CHIRLA member Pedro Trujillo emphasized the importance of supporting immigrants and celebrating their cultural contributions to American society.
