LOS ANGELES — Today, L.A. City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez introduced a motion alongside Councilmembers Nithya Raman, Monica Rodriguez and Hugo Soto-Martínez. directing the City Attorney to investigate and report back on whether human trafficking, kidnapping, or any other crimes were committed when Texas Governor Greg Abbott facilitated the transportation of a group of migrants from McAllen, Texas to Los Angeles. The Councilmembers also introduced a resolution calling on Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón, California State Attorney General Rob Bonta, and U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to similarly conduct investigations for possible crimes committed during the political stunt.
On June 14th, a bus carrying 42 people, including 18 minors – three of whom were infants – arrived at Union Station in Los Angeles. The Councilmembers’ motion points out that it is currently unknown whether any documentation exists showing that these individuals consented to the transport voluntarily nor that they were fully informed of the destination and nature of transit. Abbott’s actions were immediately and widely denounced by L.A. leaders as a dangerous and dehumanizing abuse of human lives for the benefit of political theater.
"Governor Abbott's actions demonstrate a callous disregard for basic human life and a complete lack of competence in leadership,” said Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez. “And while he might be incapable of meeting the moment, here in Los Angeles, we welcome people with the dignity and compassion they deserve. The families who arrived here this week deserve a complete and thorough investigation into this political stunt and we will work with our City, State and Federal partners to see that it happens."
“Governor Abbott’s blatant disregard for families and children and his use of people as pawns in his quest to ‘expose’ LA as a place that welcomes people in need, is anathema to our values as Angelenos,” said Councilmember Raman. “I am grateful for the leadership of Mayor Bass who welcomed these families with open arms and urge a full and complete investigation into criminal wrongdoing by the Governor of Texas.”
“As the daughter of immigrants, it is an affront to the ideals of America my father and so many of our country’s service members fought for. Sadly, these acts show the worst of the political exploitation of vulnerable families by a politician that clearly is unable to provide any compassionate or thoughtful solutions,“ said Councilwoman Rodriguez.
“This competition between Republican Governors to see who can be more racist shows their utter failure to actually govern effectively," said Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martínez. “These families deserve a full investigation and accountability into any criminal actions or wrongdoing committed by Greg Abbott and his administration.”
The arrival of migrants in Los Angeles this week follows similar stunts in major cities across the country. Last week, L.A. City Council unanimously passed a motion directing the City to draft a “Sanctuary City” ordinance that – when passed – would prohibit any City resources, property or personnel from being utilized for any federal immigration enforcement.