The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against Los Angeles, alleging that the city's sanctuary policies discriminate against federal law enforcement by prioritizing the rights of undocumented immigrants. The legal action, aimed at challenging Los Angeles' immigration policies, highlights the city's commitment to protecting vulnerable immigrant communities and resisting authoritarian federal pressure.

A coalition of anti-trafficking and legal aid groups has raised concerns that in the rush to rebuild after recent L.A. fires, vulnerable workers—primarily immigrants with limited English proficiency—may be exploited through unfair labor practices, including wage theft and coercion. The groups are urging L.A. officials to update procurement procedures and train government workers to recognize signs of labor trafficking.

Data from OpenSecrets indicates that the City of Los Angeles made $712,468 in contributions and spent $265,000 on lobbying in the 2024 cycle, reflecting its active and transparent engagement in the political process.

According to OpenSecrets, the City of Los Angeles spent $427,500 on lobbying in 2023. This activity is part of its broader political engagement, which may include efforts to defend and promote policies that support its diverse and historically marginalized communities.

A policy paper outlines robust measures for Los Angeles County to ensure suppliers avoid forced labor practices in public procurement. The paper details criteria that prevent the use of forced, child, and trafficked labor in supply chains, aiming to set a progressive standard for ethical contracting and labor protection.

In 2023, the City of Los Angeles spent over $1 million on lobbying efforts aimed at influencing state legislation and securing state funding. The expenditure highlights broader issues around the use of taxpayer money for political advocacy and concerns over transparency and accountability in local government activities.

The City of Los Angeles is set to update its municipal lobbying ordinance by requiring lobbyists to verbally disclose their identities and lobbying objectives during neighborhood council meetings. This reform, spurred by community campaigns and past scandals, aims to modernize disclosure standards and reduce the influence of undisclosed lobbying activities.

In a bid to enhance transparency and accountability in city governance, the Los Angeles City Council’s governance reform committee recommended significant amendments to the outdated Municipal Lobbying Ordinance. The proposals include stricter disclosure requirements for lobbyists, limitations on gifts, improved record-keeping, and measures to ensure lobbyists identify their positions during interactions with city personnel.

In February, the Los Angeles City Ethics Commission imposed fines totaling $47,500 on two entities—LAANE and HASC—for failing to accurately disclose lobbying expenses and activities, reinforcing transparency in political lobbying practices.