The City of Los Angeles has spent $19.7 million responding to protests against federal immigration raids as of June 16, according to a report submitted by City Administrative Officer Matt Szabo to the City Council. Of that amount, $16.9 million was incurred by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), including $11.7 million in overtime pay.
Additional expenses included $780,601 to repair damage at City Hall, the LAPD headquarters on 1st Street, and other municipal buildings. Costs from departments outside of the LAPD were reported only through June 13, meaning the overall total is expected to rise.
City officials stated that the cost of managing the protests is adding further pressure to an already strained Los Angeles budget, which is seeing reduced tax revenues due to declining tourism. Rising labor costs and legal settlements are also contributing to growing financial challenges.
In comparison, during the George Floyd protests in 2020, Los Angeles spent $40 million on police overtime alone and paid at least $11.9 million in legal settlements and jury awards related to police actions at the time.
BY YOONJAE JUNG [jung.yoonjae@koreadaily.com]
