City Council authorizes outside counsel and funds for potential federal actions after closed session; vote 9-1

The Los Angeles City Council on June 20 approved an item authorizing the City Attorney to retain outside counsel and appropriate funds to respond to potential investigations, litigation or other legal activity related to actions by the federal government, voting 9-1 after a closed-session meeting.

The measure (agenda item 8, as modified and circulated before the vote) drew extended public comment during the meeting’s public-comment period, where dozens of speakers urged stronger oversight of the Los Angeles Police Department, urged the council to investigate recent protest responses, and called for protections against Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. After the closed session the City Attorney reported the council had taken no reportable action in closed session and the council proceeded to vote on the item with the circulated modification.

Why it matters: Council authorization to fund outside counsel can affect how the city defends or…