Traci Park Opposes LA’s Sanctuary Status—Will She Back New Immigrant Protections or Side with Trump?

Los Angeles City Councilmember Traci Park has made it clear that she does not support the city’s sanctuary status, raising concerns about whether she will back additional measures to protect immigrant communities from the latest threats of mass deportations under President Donald Trump. While the Los Angeles City Council took a bold stand last year by officially declaring LA a sanctuary city, Park opposed the move, warning of potential consequences from the Trump Administration. Now, with new protections on the table, will she stand with immigrant Angelenos or continue to side with Trump’s anti-immigrant agenda?

Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martínez has introduced a comprehensive legislative package aimed at bolstering protections for the city's immigrant population. His proposals build upon LA’s sanctuary status, reinforcing the city’s commitment to shielding immigrants from federal overreach and ensuring legal support in the face of renewed ICE enforcement actions.

Key Components of the Proposed Legislation:

1. Immigration Support at LAX: Directing Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to establish designated spaces for non-profit legal service providers. This would ensure immediate assistance for travelers affected by potential travel bans, similar to the 2017 Muslim Ban.

2. Notification of ICE Enforcement: Exploring policies requiring businesses to notify the city of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions. This initiative would help workers access legal support and understand their rights during enforcement activities.

3. ​Know Your Rights Campaign: Launching a citywide public education effort to inform immigrants about their rights, nondiscrimination protections, and Los Angeles' sanctuary city policies.

4. Support for State Legislation: Urging the State of California to increase funding for deportation defense, enhancing legal support for immigrants facing removal proceedings.

5. Funding for Legal Services: Investigating how the city can maintain immigration legal services that have been frozen by the Trump Administration, ensuring continued support for vulnerable populations.

Councilmember Soto-Martínez emphasized the personal significance of this legislation, stating, "My own parents were undocumented, and they built a life here without the constant fear that a trip to work or taking me to school could tear our family apart. Every Angeleno deserves that same safety and dignity."

This legislative package follows the Los Angeles City Council's unanimous vote in November 2024 to adopt a sanctuary city ordinance, prohibiting city resources or personnel from being used to assist federal immigration enforcement. The ordinance was enacted in anticipation of potential mass deportations under President Trump.

But not everyone on the City Council has stood behind these protections. Traci Park, who represents much of the Westside, opposed the sanctuary ordinance and warned that it could put federal funding at risk. Critics argue that her stance aligns her with President Trump's immigration policies, making the Westside less safe for immigrants. Her absence during the sanctuary city ordinance vote has been interpreted by some as a lack of support for immigrant protections.

With deportation threats ramping up, will Traci Park support any of these new measures to defend immigrant Angelenos? Or will she continue to align herself with Trump’s anti-immigrant policies? As these motions move forward, all eyes are on Park and whether she will take a stand to protect the diverse communities she represents.