Know Your Rights

Know your rights

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The City of West Hollywood condemns ongoing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, which are disruptive, discriminatory, and deeply destabilizing.

These hostile actions target immigrant families in our communities, instill fear in our neighborhoods, and erode our collective trust in the federal government’s obligation to adhere to the rule of law and due process.

Know Your Rights – Information is Power

It is vital for immigrant communities and providers to understand their rights and identify important local resources:

The City of West Hollywood is Working to Respond

The City of West Hollywood will not stand by as families are torn apart. Our immigrant communities are not threats — they are integral to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of our community. We stand with our local businesses and neighboring cities as we speak out against these inhumane ICE raids and the aggressive tactics they use.

  • We are currently working to assess impacts and coordinate support services for affected individuals and families. We will continue to connect local nonprofit organizations, food banks, and resource hubs to support families affected by ICE enforcement actions.
  • We are providing the community and City staff, appointed, and elected officials with ‘Know Your Rights’ links and resources. Information is available at City facilities and Public Service Announcements are deployed in digital transit shelters and pedestrian kiosks to raise awareness in the community.
  • We will continue to oppose actions by the federal government that threaten the rights and safety of our community members. We remain steadfast in our commitment to human rights, equality, and inclusion for all and we are actively urging our representatives to pursue humane, inclusive immigration policy reforms.

To date, the City of West Hollywood has issued several statements and news releases about ICE raids:

Updates will be shared on this page as the West Hollywood City Council considers additional measures.

Know Your Rights Webinars/Workshops – Businesses, Workers, & Non-Profits

The County of Los Angeles Department of Economic Opportunity, the County of Los Angeles Office of Immigrant Affairs, CHIRLA, Bet Tzedek, and Public Counsel all host various in-person and virtual workshops each month. The workshops offer practical guidance for small businesses, workers, and non-profits on understanding their rights and responsibilities in the event that immigration agents visit their office, business, or facility.

Topics Covered Include:

  • Rights and responsibilities when interacting with immigration agents
  • Developing written policies to address immigration agent interactions
  • Tips for navigating immigration enforcement raids

These sessions are a crucial resource to empower and protect our community organizations and small businesses.

Registration is required to participate. To view upcoming events and register, please visit: Events Calendar - Office of Immigrant Affairs  

City of West Hollywood Joins Filing of Motion to Intervene in Federal Lawsuit Challenging Unlawful Immigration Raids

The City of West Hollywood stands with several local jurisdictions, along with the LA City Attorney’s office, the LA City Mayor’s office, and the County of Los Angeles, in joining a federal lawsuit – filing a motion to intervene in Vasquez Perdomo v. Noem – led by civil rights groups including the ACLU and Public Counsel.

The lawsuit claims that, since June 6, 2025, federal agents have conducted raids without legal justification, often targeting individuals based on race or ethnicity, using excessive force, and denying access to legal counsel. The goal of the lawsuit is to challenge unlawful immigration enforcement actions by federal agencies.

West Hollywood stands firmly for equity, dignity, and human rights in our communities.

Learn more in this announcement from the LA City Attorney’s office and this additional announcement from the City of West Hollywood.

Business Resource: FAQs on Nonprofit and Small Business Rights

Public Counsel has published a frequently asked questions as a resource for businesses and non-profits to know their and responsibilities if immigration enforcement officials appear at their facility, office, or workplace. This resource includes:

  • Answers to frequently asked question on immigration enforcement
  • Template policies on immigration enforcement.

FAQs on Nonprofit and Small Business Rights with Respect to Immigration Enforcement (ICE) - Public Counsel

Bet Tzedek has published a Know Your Rights guide for Businesses and Non-Profits. This information includes:

  • Preparing for immigration enforcement encounters
  • Learning how to protect your employees and customers and what their rights are during immigration enforcement encounters
  • Tips on I-9 compliance and handling audits
  • Best practices for data security and employee privacy
  • Knowing the difference between warrants and subpoenas
  • Creating effective written immigration policies for your business

Bet Tzedek - Small Business Resource 

Statement from Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has released the following statement:

The LASD is aware of the presence and operations of federal law enforcement agencies within our communities.

The LASD does not enforce civil immigration laws, nor do we ask about an individual’s immigration status when we respond to calls for service. Our focus is to maintain peace, uphold public safety, and protect the rights of all residents.

The Sheriff’s Department is not involved in any federal law enforcement operations. When federal authorities come under attack and request assistance, we will support them and provide aid.

However, this does not mean that we are assisting with their immigration actions or operations; rather, our objective is to protect them from any violent attacks. Any assault on federal or local law enforcement is unacceptable.

We recognize and support the constitutional rights of the public to peacefully assemble and express their views. Peaceful protests are a vital part of our democracy, and we are committed to facilitating safe environments where voices can be heard respectfully and without fear.

The Sheriff’s Department will continue working with community leaders, advocacy groups, and partner agencies to ensure peaceful public demonstrations. However, we will address and strictly enforce the law when any acts of violence, arson, or vandalism are committed. These acts will not be tolerated.

The Department remains committed to ensuring transparency and cooperation in the communities we serve in protecting the rights and safety of all people – regardless of legal status.

If any individual feels unsafe due to the presence of people who are not clearly identified as federal agents, they are encouraged to call 911. Local law enforcement from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will respond to ensure community safety, but does not participate in immigration enforcement.