Community groups call for eviction moratorium amid immigration raids across LA

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Community groups say too many families are living in fear amid immigration raids across Southern California, and they are calling on the Los Angeles City Council to take action.

The L.A. Tenants Union, SEIU 721 and the Coalition of Labor Union Employees joined forces for a press conference and rally on Olvera Street Tuesday morning.

They want the City Council to pass emergency protections for people impacted by the raids, including an eviction moratorium. The unions say renters make up more than 60% of L.A. residents and many now face the fear of deportation, and many families may not be able to cover rent if a family member was taken into ICE custody or if they have family members choosing to stay home from work out of fear.

They add that the immigration raids are creating unnecessary fear, and there's a deepening economic crisis fueled by COVID, fires and now ICE raids.

"We know that many tenants will not be able to pay their rent come July 1st," said Kenia Alcocer with the L.A. Tenants Union. "Why? Because this militarization of our communities, this occupation of our community, this terrorizing of our communities have closed down businesses, have taken away street vendors, have separated families - and then, people cannot pay their rent. They have barely the minimum to survive."

Landlords, however, worry that another moratorium could crush them.

"Over 85% of rental property owners in the city of Los Angeles are independent moms and pops who, for the most part, are already struggling to pay their bills," said Daniel Yukelson, Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles. "I understand that people are very scared and rental property owners are very sympathetic to that. But, as I said, you know, property owners are very dependent on receiving timely rent payments just to make ends meet."

As part of these efforts, the groups are also calling for a citywide day of action next Tuesday in solidarity with people whose loved ones have been detained.

The City Council has also been working to take further action against the federal government due to the immigration raids. Last week, seven councilmembers signed a proposal asking the City Attorney to take immediate legal action to protect people from being racially profiled or unlawfully detained.

The proposed lawsuit still has to head to three council committees for consideration before the full council votes on it.