Los Angeles County has declared a local state of emergency in response to a surge in federal immigration enforcement activity, becoming the first county in the country to do so. The Board of Supervisors voted 4–1 on October 14 to approve the declaration, citing widespread fear and economic disruption caused by aggressive ICE and Border Patrol raids that began in early June.

Supervisors Lindsey Horvath and Janice Hahn introduced the motion, describing the enforcement as a man-made crisis requiring a coordinated emergency response. “This proclamation is about action and speed,” Horvath said in a statement. The declaration allows the County to expedite hiring, issue emergency ordinances, and access emergency funding from state and federal sources.

Since the raids began, federal agents have conducted operations at locations including day labor sites, public transit areas, and workplaces. Over 5,000 arrests have been reported in the region. Advocacy groups and local officials say the enforcement actions have disrupted daily life for many residents, particularly undocumented immigrants and mixed-status families. Businesses in immigrant neighborhoods have reported a drop in sales, and some families have avoided public services and workplaces out of fear.

The emergency declaration does not directly create new policy but enables the Board of Supervisors to implement targeted emergency measures more quickly. One potential measure under consideration is an eviction moratorium for renters who have lost income as a result of the immigration raids. County officials say this could apply to tenants who were detained themselves or lost household income due to a family member’s detention or absence from work.

Any such moratorium would require a separate vote and formal ordinance. As drafted, it would not cancel rent but would prevent evictions for nonpayment during the emergency period. County Counsel has advised that the emergency declaration strengthens the legal basis for such a measure under California law, which allows local governments more flexibility to regulate evictions during declared emergencies.

Supervisor Kathryn Barger voted against the declaration, arguing that immigration enforcement is a federal matter and does not meet the definition of a local emergency. She also raised concerns about potential legal challenges.

Tenant groups and immigrant rights advocates have expressed strong support for the declaration and the proposed eviction protections. The County is also preparing a rent relief program to provide financial assistance to households affected by the raids. An online application portal is expected to launch within the next two months. In July, the City of Los Angeles launched a separate aid program providing prepaid cards to immigrant families, funded by philanthropic contributions.

The Board of Supervisors will review the emergency declaration every 30 days. Staff are expected to present draft language for an eviction ordinance in the coming weeks. If passed, it would take effect immediately and remain in place for the duration of the local emergency.