New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, in his victory speech, pledged to make the city a pro-trans “sanctuary city.” He plans to allocate significant funding towards gender-affirming care and expand resources for the LGBTQ+ community. Mamdani’s campaign included attending trans community events and supporting legislation such as the Gender Recognition Act. Exit polls reveal that LGBTQ+ voters overwhelmingly supported Mamdani, contributing to his win and indicating strong public support for transgender rights.
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The U.S. Department of Justice sued the city of Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass, and City Council members, claiming the city’s sanctuary city law is illegal and hindering federal immigration enforcement. The lawsuit, filed by the Trump administration, argues that L.A.’s refusal to cooperate with federal immigration authorities has resulted in “lawlessness,” with the federal government even deploying the National Guard. Atty. Gen. Pam Bondi asserts the city’s policies are the cause of recent violence, while Mayor Bass counters that federal agents are the ones creating chaos. The city’s ordinance, which restricts city employees from aiding in immigration enforcement, is seen by the federal government as intentionally discriminating against federal authorities, leading to the legal challenge.
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Worcester Public Schools (WPS) has instructed bus drivers to keep students on board if immigration agents are present at bus stops, following a Trump administration announcement permitting federal agencies to make arrests at schools and other locations. WPS affirms it will not cooperate with ICE and will bar agents from school facilities without a warrant. Teachers express concern for students’ safety and well-being amidst these heightened fears. Governor Healey stated that Massachusetts will assist with the investigation and prosecution of those who commit crimes but will not participate in the crackdown targeting undocumented immigrants without criminal accusations.
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The Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved a sanctuary city ordinance, codifying existing protections for immigrants by prohibiting city resources from being used for immigration enforcement and preventing information sharing with federal authorities. This measure, supported by Mayor Bass, aims to protect immigrant communities and ensure they can safely report crimes without fear of deportation. While the city already largely avoids cooperation with federal immigration authorities, the ordinance formally enshrines these protections into law, mirroring similar state-level legislation in California. The ordinance’s passage comes in anticipation of potential increased immigration enforcement under the current administration.
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John Q. Hosedrinker