The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved two motions targeting federal immigration enforcement tactics and expanding youth civic engagement protections.
The measures, authored by Chair Pro Tem Hilda L. Solis, direct county counsel to pursue legal action against unconstitutional immigration raids while launching a comprehensive "Know Your Rights" education initiative for young activists.
Recent data underscores the urgency behind the county's response. Between June 1 and 10, Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested 722 people in the Los Angeles area, according to UC Berkeley Law's Deportation Data Project. A Los Angeles Times analysis found 69% had no criminal convictions and 58% had never been charged.
"Our communities are living in fear of warrantless raids, racial profiling, and unlawful detentions that are tearing families apart," Solis said. "At the same time, our youth are leading the charge for justice and equity — and they deserve to be equipped with the knowledge to safely raise their voices."
The first motion, co-authored by Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, directs county counsel to explore legal remedies protecting residents' civil rights and preventing federal law enforcement from engaging in unconstitutional immigration enforcement. This includes addressing warrantless stops, questioning without reasonable suspicion, and arrests without probable cause.
"Los Angeles County will not stand by while our communities are terrorized and our Constitution trampled," Horvath said. "We will meet this moment with the full weight of our legal power and moral obligation."
The second motion, co-authored by Supervisor Janice Hahn, directs multiple county departments to develop a countywide "Know Your Rights" education initiative for youth, particularly immigrant, LGBTQ+ and youth of color. The program will provide workshops and materials educating young people on legal rights during protests, navigating curfews and dispersal orders, and trauma-informed safety strategies.
The county will implement a public communications campaign featuring youth-focused social media content, videos and printed toolkits distributed through schools and community organizations. Plans include integrating rights education into existing youth diversion programs.
Most arrests occurred in public spaces like car washes and parking lots, where constitutional protections still apply. Advocates report increasing cases of warrantless detentions and excessive force, adding to community instability.
Edited by SMDP Staff