‘WeHo Responds’ Program to Support Immigrant Communities

In response to recent immigration enforcement activity across the Los Angeles region, the City of West Hollywood has reactivated its WeHo Responds initiative to support individuals and families impacted by federal raids. The program encourages donations to trusted organizations providing legal aid, food support, and other critical services.

At its July 7 meeting, the City Council directed staff to take immediate action, including:

• Educating local businesses and workers on their legal rights and available assistance;

• Promoting city-run social services, such as food delivery and immigration-focused support;

• Encouraging public contributions to nonprofit organizations helping those affected.

A list of vetted organizations is available at weho.org/wehoresponds, including:

• ACLU of Southern California, providing legal challenges, rapid response, and education;

• CHIRLA, offering legal services and operating a Rapid Response Network;

• Bet Tzedek, with integrated legal and social support services;

• Public Counsel, a civil rights law firm engaged in litigation against DHS;

• Los Angeles LGBT Center, assisting LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and detainees;

• Seeds of Hope and Project Angel Food, which provide nutritious meals to vulnerable populations;

• Additional groups like NILC, IDP, and ILRC, which offer legal resources and training.

Residents are encouraged to verify organizations through Charity Navigator before donating.

Program Background

WeHo Responds was first launched in 2005 to support Hurricane Katrina relief and has since been activated for global and local crises, including aid efforts for Ukraine, the 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquakes, and recent wildfires in Maui and Los Angeles County.

The current reactivation follows what city officials describe as “discriminatory and destabilizing” ICE raids. These actions, the City states, “target immigrant families, instill fear in neighborhoods, and erode trust in government institutions.”

On July 11, a federal court issued two temporary restraining orders in the case Vasquez Perdomo v. Noem, finding that ICE’s denial of legal counsel and conduct during raids likely violated constitutional protections. West Hollywood has joined several jurisdictions in a motion to intervene in the case.

The City continues to expand its “Know Your Rights” resources for immigrant communities at weho.org/KnowYourRights.

For more information and the full list of recommended organizations, visit weho.org/wehoresponds.