The previously postponed immigration raids announced by President Donald Trump were set to begin Sunday, prompting leaders in Los Angeles to reiterate their support for the city's large immigrant population regardless of their documentation.
In a video released over the weekend, Mayor Eric Garcetti outlined how people living in the U.S. illegally can exercise their rights.
"You do not need to be afraid," Garcetti said. "Your city is on your side."
L.A. police Chief Michel Moore also appeared in the recording, emphasizing that LAPD "is not assisting ICE in any way" and that its officers do not perform the job of federal law enforcement officials.
"We are here to protect and serve all the people of Los Angeles, regardless of their immigration status," Moore said.
Gov. Gavin Newsom also tweeted, "Every person — no matter your immigration status — needs to know: you have rights."
Most people calling the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles are requesting information, spokesman Jorge-Mario Cabrera told KTLA on Sunday. The advocacy group had received 25 calls from families, but none of them had been arrested or detained by immigration officials, he said.
"We got four reports of ICE vans seen at intersections but none panned out," Cabrera added.
A dozen churches in the L.A. area have declared themselves sanctuaries for migrant families as the Trump administration's immigration crackdown was scheduled to begin.
Guillermo Torres, with Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice, says more churches have become involved than ever before, which he attributes to a growing sense of indignation at the administration's actions on immigration.
President Donald Trump announced plans for sweeps that were expected to begin Sunday and target about 2,000 people with deportation orders in major cities, including Los Angeles. Torres said Sunday that there had been no reports of arrests.
Pastor Fred Morris says the mere threat of roundups has already spread widespread fear in the community. He says he counseled his largely Hispanic congregation on what to do if agents arrive: don't open the door, don't answer questions.
Many houses of worship in other cities and states have also declared themselves immigrant sanctuaries.
POSTED 7:06 AM, JULY 14, 2019, BY JOHN FENOGLIO, KTLA. UPDATED AT 10:30PM, JULY 14, 2019
