Represent LA Budget Action Alert:
Increase Funding for Legal Services for Immigrants
Tomorrow is the last chance to give public comment at the LA City Council in support of the $3 million budget ask for RepresentLA. Below are key actions to engage today and tomorrow. If you have any questions, please contact Norma Palacios at npalacios@caimmigrant.org.
Background:
Represent Los Angeles (RepLA) is a landmark program that builds on the success of its pilot program the Los Angeles Justice Fund. RepLA and the LA Justice Fund programs have strengthened the City and County of Los Angeles’s safety net for immigrants by providing legal consultations and representation to tens of thousands of people since 2017. This program ensures immigrant communities are not left behind and denied their due process as they navigate the complex federal immigration system. The urgency of RepLA’s services is greater than ever as the Trump Administration has implemented violent, aggressive immigration enforcement resulting in high numbers of people being detained by ICE.
The Mayor's proposed budget allocated $1 million to RepresentLA. Last week, the City Council's Budget and Finance Committee proposed an additional $500,000 for a total of $1.5 million contribution from the City for RepresentLA. This proposed funding is not enough to meet the moment. We're calling on the City to increase this funding and fund RepresentLA at $3 million to support its vital work.
We encourage you to attend the City Council meeting tomorrow to voice your support for increased funding for RepresentLA. If you are not able to be there, please be sure to submit a public comment by/before the end of day.
Please note that public comment will be taken in-person only and we recommend arriving before the scheduled start time to ensure that you are able to secure a seat in the hearing room and sign up to provide public comment.
Action 1: Give In-Person Public Comment
Wednesday, May 20th at 10 am (City Hall - Downtown LA)
Room 340 City Hall
Location: 200 N. Main Street, Room 340 (John Ferraro Council Chamber)
Recommended arrival time: by 9 am
Action 2: Submit Written Public Comment Today!
***Below are templates to help you draft your in-person or written public comment. Please modify your public comments based on your personal experience or organization’s expertise.***
Action 1: Give In-Person Public Comment
Good morning City Council members,
My name is [name], I’m a resident of LA Council District [district ] or work in City Council District [district]
I urge you to stand with immigrant communities and commit to funding RepresentLA at $3 million. While we appreciate the Budget and Finance Committee recommendation for an increase, the proposed amount is not sufficient to support our communities.
ICE raids continue to target immigrant communities and the demand for deportation defense support has never been greater than now. LA must continue to fund RepresentLA’s essential legal services, so people’s rights are upheld.
RepresentLA has proved to be successful, serving diverse populations throughout the years, including survivors of labor trafficking, asylum seekers, and veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.
I urge you to continue these services at a time when they are most needed by increasing funding to $3 million for RepresentLA in the City’s proposed budget for 2026-2027. Thank you.
Other suggested talking points:
RepresentLA is critical to ensuring due process and access to legal representation for immigrant communities in Los Angeles, especially for those who would otherwise not be able to pay for legal defense.
RepresentLA ensures that immigrant Angelenos have access to legal representation, and prevents families from navigating a complex immigration system alone—often with life-altering consequences.
RepresentLA has made significant strides in its mission, serving over 22,000+ people since 2022, including survivors of labor trafficking, asylum seekers, and veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Action 2: Submit/Email Written Public Comment
📝Submit Comment Online:
Enter your name, email address
Enter Council File # 26-0600 and your public comment, then submit
CONFIRM your submission: go to your email and click on the verification link
Your Submission is then complete
Sample language below. Feel free to modify and adjust.
Subject line: Request to Fund RepresentLA at $3 million in FY 26-27
Dear Councilmembers,
My name is [your name] and I am writing to express my strong support for RepresentLA and to urge you to fund RepresentLA at $3 million. As an Angeleno deeply committed to ensuring the rights of immigrant communities in Los Angeles, I believe that continuing the work of RepresentLA is critical.
RepresentLA has made significant strides in its mission, serving over 21,000 people since 2022, including survivors of labor trafficking, asylum seekers, and veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. This legal aid program has been key in providing critical legal services to vulnerable and diverse immigrant communities who otherwise would not be represented. The City of Los Angeles has already defended thousands of Angeleno families against family separations through the LA Justice Fund and now RepresentLA since 2017, increased funding will only help further this commitment.
Under the Trump Administration, federal immigration enforcement raids and activity have heightened fear in immigrant communities, showcasing that it is more critical than ever to expand and strengthen RepresentLA’s essential services.
I urge you to include $3 million for RepresentLA in the City’s proposed budget for 2026-2027. This is critical to prevent any interruption in the crucial services that RepresentLA provides to our most vulnerable immigrant communities at this extremely difficult time for our communities. Your voice as the leader of the City of LA holds powerful influence and respect. I urge you to support funding for RepresentLA at $3 million.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]