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New York PostMAR 25 2024
Los Angeles Declares Itself Immigrant 'Sanctuary City'
Above: People in the audience hold up signs in support of immigrants as the Los Angeles City Council considers a "sanctuary city" ordinance during a meeting at City Hall in Los Angeles, California, on Nov. 19, 2024. Image copyright: ETIENNE LAURENT/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Democratic narrative
Los Angeles' decision to formalize its sanctuary city status is a principled and pragmatic response to the ongoing immigration debate. The city has reaffirmed its commitment to treating migrants with dignity and humanity. Sanctuary policies build trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities, ensuring public safety by encouraging crime reporting without fear of deportation. Los Angeles has shown that compassion and practical governance can coexist — a powerful rebuke to divisive rhetoric and inhumane political stunts likely under a new Trump administration.
Republican narrative
Los Angeles' sanctuary city move is symbolic rather than substantive, prioritizing political optics over public safety and fiscal responsibility. By formally shielding undocumented immigrants — including those with criminal records — the city burdens taxpayers while undermining federal law enforcement efforts. Sanctuary policies strain public resources and erode trust in governance as crime concerns mount among voters. Los Angeles' ideologically-driven grandstanding will backfire when it runs afoul of Pres.-elect Trump's widely popular immigration policies.