ICE raids may bring emergency declaration

L.A. County ponders move, which would pave way for eviction moratorium for some.

- CLARA HARTER

A MEMBER of ICE stands guard in June outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown L.A.

ERIC THAYER Associated Press

As the Trump administration continues its immigration crackdown in Southern California, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors is considering issuing a state of emergency to provide the board with more power to assist those affected by the deluge of detainments and deportations.

"This escalation [in raids] puts thousands of our neighbors in extreme peril, so I believe we need to act now," said Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, asserting that the declaration is necessary "to give us every tool available to fight back."

A state of emergency is a precursor to enacting an eviction moratorium for households that have lost income due to the raids, an action supervisors are interested in pursuing. The declaration also would allow the county to expedite hiring for roles that assist tenants.

The board voted 4 to 1 to have staff draft a state of emergency declaration to vote on during its Oct. 14 meeting.