Texas has recently sent its twelfth bus filled with migrants to Los Angeles, a potentially controversial move in light of LA’s recent approval of a sanctuary status for immigrants. City officials have said that they are discussing possibly taking legal action against the state’s decision. It is unclear what, if any, measures the city might pursue.
The move from Texas comes at a time of heightened political scrutiny regarding immigration. President Trump has recently threatened to withhold federal funding from cities that pass sanctuary policies. Despite the potential for legal conflict, California and Los Angeles have not shied away from upholding their commitment to protecting immigrant rights. The state has maintained a commitment to safeguarding “Dreamers” affected by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, while Los Angeles has extended additional resources to such undocumented immigrants.
The influx of migrants, many of whom are fleeing violence in their home countries, is adding to LA’s already-strained resources. City officials have called for additional help from the state and federal government to address the growing humanitarian crisis at the US-Mexico border. However, with the situation far from resolved, the number of arriving migrants continues to rise.
Although the long-term legal implications of the latest migration are still to be determined, Los Angeles’ Mayor Eric Garcetti has vowed to defend the city’s “moral obligation to protect innocent people who are simply trying to build a better life.” With emotions running high on both sides of the issue, many officials are eager to settle the matter as soon as possible.
