Authorities confirmed to KTLA on Wednesday that the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has paused unpermitted street vending enforcement due to fears raised by federal immigration operations.
The department provided a statement which reads, in part, “At this time, Public Health’s enforcement activities for unpermitted vendors have been temporarily paused in the areas within its jurisdiction due to safety concerns for our staff arising out of federal immigration enforcement actions.” Representatives were not immediately able to clarify whether the safety concerns were about or from the department’s staff, or a combination of both.
This pause will affect DPH’s response to complaints of unpermitted sidewalk food vending via investigations and enforcement, which surrounding cities have cracked down on recently.
However, the department said this does not mean it will stop addressing vendor activity.
Rather than responding to complaints, DPH said it will instead focus on “providing unpermitted food vendors with outreach and educational materials in English and Spanish on the steps needed to obtain a public health permit and the risks associated with not adhering to food safety standards.” The department said it will also educate the public about the associated health risks.
This operation change was confirmed to KTLA shortly after the City of Long Beach confirmed it had cancelled its annual Día de los Muertos Parade due to the same concerns. While there is no indication that federal authorities planned to target the event, officials said holding such a large, public gathering could create anxiety for residents who might fear sudden enforcement actions.
If you or a loved one is struggling mentally amid the heightened uncertainty caused by ongoing ICE raids in Southern California, click here for resources that may help.
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