Los Angeles Plans Cash Aid, FOIA Requests After ICE Raids

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has announced a plan to provide direct cash assistance to immigrants affected by the Trump administration's immigration raids, distributing prepaid cash cards funded by philanthropic groups, not city funds. The initiative aims to support those fearful of leaving their homes and losing income, with immigrant rights organizations like the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles facilitating distribution. Alongside the financial aid, Bass signed an executive order instructing city departments to strengthen protocols to uphold the city's sanctuary policies, which restrict cooperation with federal immigration enforcement except in serious crimes. The order also mandates transparency from federal agencies regarding the raids, including disclosure of detainees and associated costs, and instructs city workers on how to handle contacts from immigration officials. These measures come amid ongoing tensions, with the Trump administration suing Los Angeles over its sanctuary policies, accusing the city of fostering lawlessness and discriminating against federal immigration enforcement. The cash assistance program is likened to the 2020 Angeleno Cards initiative that supported residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.