L.A. city leaders look to file lawsuit over 'unconstitutional' immigration enforcement
Faced with a wave of immigration arrests, the Los Angeles City Council is looking to sue the Trump administration to secure a court order prohibiting federal agents from carrying out any unconstitutional stops or arrests of city residents.Seven council members signed a proposal asking City Atty.Hydee Feldstein Soto to prioritize “immediate legal action” to protect the civil rights of Angelenos, arguing that such a step is needed to keep their constituents from being racially profiled or unlawfully detained.A lawsuit would almost certainly intensify the tensions between the city’s elected officials and the federal government over the ongoing raids, which have been carried out in Hollywood, Pacoima, Cypress Park and many other locations.
Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky, who co-authored the proposal, said she and her colleagues have received reports of residents who were stopped, questioned and detained by individuals claiming to be federal immigration agents but did not display an official badge or government identification.Yaroslavsky said she was personally informed about a Latina who was recently walking on Westwood Boulevard and was approached by several men in masks who demanded that she show a valid ID.“She produced identification and they let her go,” said Yaroslavsky, who represents part of the Westside.“[But] you can’t do that under the 4th Amendment.
It’s not reasonable suspicion that they’re noncitizens just because they’re brown.”The proposal, which was co-authored by Yaroslavsky and Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, now heads to three council committees for consideration.California Surprise U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement sweeps in downtown Los Angeles prompted fierce pushback from elected officials and protesters.Asked about the city’s efforts, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said in a statement that U.S.Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers act “with the utmost integrity and professionalism.” She also p...