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Montebello reports $100,000 humanitarian fund enrollment, adds county funds as litigation continues over federal immigration enforcement
Summary
City staff reported 44 families enrolled in a $100,000 humanitarian services fund for residents affected by immigration enforcement, with county adding $50,000; city attorney updated council on related litigation and the city's participation in appellate briefs.
City staff and the City Attorney updated the Montebello City Council on the city’s humanitarian services program and on related litigation tied to federal immigration enforcement.
Humanitarian services program: the city manager reported that the City Council in June appropriated $100,000 to assist Montebello families impacted by recent immigration enforcement actions. City staff said 44 families have been enrolled to date: 12 families have received rental assistance, 28 families have received food assistance, 12 families have received help with utilities, and a total of 50 families are receiving case-management services for ancillary needs such as mental health, medical and legal assistance.
Staff also said the city secured an additional $50,000 from a county supervisor to supplement the program. City staff explained the program is being staffed by in-house MCAT case-management teams and that staff conducted legal workshops and business outreach events aimed at supporting families and informing local businesses of employee rights.
Litigation update: the City Attorney reported Montebello joined other local jurisdictions in litigation challenging certain federal enforcement activities. The council directed the city attorney to participate in the effort to join the original lawsuit and the city took part in motions that led to a federal district judge issuing a temporary restraining order (TRO) that covers Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside and Ventura counties. The federal government appealed; the Ninth Circuit upheld the TRO and the matter is now before the U.S. Supreme Court. The City Attorney said Montebello has participated as a supporting amicus and submitted declarations, and that a hearing to seek a permanent injunction is scheduled later this month.
Why it matters: staff framed the program as a short-term relief and case-management effort addressing housing, food, utilities and other ancillary needs for residents affected by immigration enforcement. The litigation affects whether federal enforcement activities will continue under the same scope; the council is participating in the appellate process with other jurisdictions to protect residents’ rights.
Ending: staff said the program is ongoing and will continue to report enrollment and use of funds to council.
