Los Angeles County Pushes Forward Motion to Aid Families Impacted by Immigration Raids in Recovering Final Paychecks
LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion authored by Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis and coauthored by Third District Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath to explore an ordinance that would allow families to recover an employee’s last paycheck when the employee is unavailable, regardless of immigration status. The ordinance, if adopted, would apply only to small businesses in the unincorporated areas of the County.
“In these unprecedented times, the County must continue exploring every opportunity to support our most vulnerable residents,” said Chair Hilda L. Solis. “This motion is about ensuring we provide a pathway for families and workers to receive their hard-earned last paycheck, regardless of immigration status.”
The motion responds to a growing need among families whose loved ones have been detained or deported during ongoing immigration raids. Many face significant barriers when attempting to collect wages already earned by their family members.
This action builds on work launched in July 2025, when the Board approved a motion by Chair Solis addressing a broad range of immigration issues affecting workers, including the care of property and animals left behind when individuals are detained or deported and assistance for impacted small businesses. In October 2025, California Senate Bill 294 was signed into law, requiring employers to provide written notice to all existing and new hires about their legal rights in the workplace. While SB 294 is intended to empower workers, persistent immigration enforcement in workplaces has shown that many families still struggle to access an employee’s final paycheck.
“No family should have to worry about losing a loved one’s paycheck because of federal immigration actions, yet it is our reality, created by the Trump Administration, which underscores the harm being done in our communities,” said Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “This motion helps ensure that when workers are detained or deported, their families can access the wages they’ve earned to support them while facing such a devastating situation.”
In addition to reviewing the feasibility of an ordinance, the motion directs County departments to develop a communication strategy to educate and guide employers. It also instructs the County’s Chief Executive Office, Legislative Affairs, and Intergovernmental Relations branch, to support statewide legislative proposals that would require employers to offer employees a designation form.
