LOS ANGELES, Calif. — This week, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors passed a motion co-authored by Supervisors Holly J. Mitchell and Hilda L. Solis underscoring the County’s commitment to serving all residents with dignity and without interference. The motion responds to disruptive and intimidating immigration enforcement actions in County facilities by providing clear guidance and reinforcing protections for the County’s more than 100,000-member workforce.
“Dedicated workers in our hospitals, clinics, parks, libraries, and other County facilities have found themselves in untenable situations when pressured by federal agents to take actions that conflict with their legal, ethical, and professional duties. We must ensure our workforce has the clarity and support they need in these unprecedented times. This motion sends a clear message: we see you, and we have your back by defending County employees who are wrongfully charged by the federal government for simply doing their jobs,” said Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Second District.
“Our County facilities must remain places of healing, safety, and trust for every resident who walks through our doors,” said Hilda L. Solis, Los Angeles County Chair Pro Tem and First District Supervisor. “Recent federal immigration actions have created real fear in our communities, and our employees providing lifesaving care to our residents deserve clear protections as they carry out their duties in good faith. We are taking decisive steps to ensure our frontline workers can serve patients without interference while upholding their professional and ethical responsibilities.”
Under state law, a public entity like the County may provide for the defense of a criminal action brought against an employee or former employee if: 1) the action arises from an act within the scope of their employment, and 2) the County determines that the employee acted (or failed to act) in good faith, without actual malice, and in the interests of the County.
The passage of the motion makes clear if a County employee is charged with obstruction by immigration enforcement while acting in good faith, without malice, and peacefully performing their assigned duties – an independent factual investigation will be conducted – and if the facts show the employee was rightfully doing their job —Los Angeles County will provide legal defense.
It is important to note that the motion does not encourage employees to obstruct or block federal immigration enforcement efforts, nor does it encourage unnecessary conflicts with immigration officials.
“CHIRLA thanks Supervisors Mitchell and Solis for putting forward this motion, and LA County for standing with its workers and our immigrant communities. As ICE continues to terrorize our communities and interfere with people’s right to access services and resources they need and are entitled to, it is critical that public workers know they will be supported in doing their jobs and that our residents know we are fighting to protect their fundamental rights,” said Angelica Salas, Executive Director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA).
The motion reaffirms the County’s commitment to compassion, dignity, and excellence for all residents—regardless of immigration status, race, color, religious creed, sexual orientation, or gender identity. To read the full motion, click here.
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