Council Members Support Expansion of Represent LA Amid Ongoing Immigration Raids

The Civil Rights, Equity, Immigration, Aging, and Disability Committee meeting held on August 1, 2025, in Los Angeles focused on pressing issues affecting immigrant families in the city. Key discussions centered around the ongoing fear and uncertainty faced by immigrant communities following recent immigration raids, with over 600 families currently seeking support.

Lupita Martinez, a community advocate, emphasized the urgent need to expand the Represent LA program, which provides legal assistance to those affected by immigration enforcement. She highlighted the challenges families face as they navigate the detention system, noting that many are unable to locate detained family members due to frequent transfers between facilities. Martinez called for increased funding to bolster this critical program, especially as families are becoming more hesitant to engage with public services due to fears of immigration enforcement.

Jana Walley, an attorney with Public Counsel's Immigrants Rights Project, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of legal representation for community members detained in poor conditions. She shared a recent success story where a client was granted bond after a legal challenge, underscoring the need for continued support and resources for legal services.

The committee members acknowledged the importance of these discussions and expressed their commitment to holding federal enforcement agencies accountable for their actions, particularly regarding the lack of judicial warrants for arrests. The meeting concluded with plans to address several items on the agenda, including motions aimed at enhancing community safety and support for immigrant families.

Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing challenges faced by immigrant communities in Los Angeles and the critical need for expanded legal support and community resources during these turbulent times.