In a surprising reversal of her earlier stance, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D) has announced that the city is no longer extending an open invitation to illegal immigrants. This change in policy comes in response to Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s efforts to transport illegal immigrants to the “Sanctuary City” of Los Angeles.
Just over two months ago, the Los Angeles City Council voted in favor of officially becoming a “Sanctuary City” within the already designated “Sanctuary State” of California. Mayor Bass and her Democratic colleagues initially embraced the newcomers, vehemently countering Governor Abbott’s strategy. They had emphasized that Los Angeles, as a city, sought to treat all people with dignity and compassion, standing by their commitment to work with non-profit organizations and government partners to ensure the well-being of migrants.
However, the situation took an unexpected turn as Governor Abbott continued to bus illegal immigrants to Los Angeles. In a recent interview with Fox L.A. anchor Marla Tellez, Mayor Bass voiced her newfound opposition, stating, “L.A. has not extended an invitation asking for people to come. This is a political act.” This shift in tone raises questions about the city’s future as a Sanctuary City.
LA Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, a strong advocate for sanctuary status, had previously pointed to Abbott’s actions as the driving force behind their efforts to welcome all people, regardless of their immigration status. “L.A. was built by immigrants and it thrives because of immigrants. We will continue to be a place that values and dignifies all human life, no matter who they are or where they come from,” Hernandez stated.
LA was built by immigrants and it thrives because of immigrants. We will continue to be a place that values and dignifies all human life, no matter who they are or where they come from. LA is for all.
— Eunisses Hernandez (@EunissesH) June 15, 2023
On June 9, the LA City Council officially passed an ordinance granting Hernandez’s request, effectively setting the stage for Los Angeles to become a sanctuary city. However, with Mayor Bass’s recent statements, it remains uncertain whether this transformation will proceed as planned or if additional steps will be taken to reconsider the city’s stance.
