LA supervisors condemn invasion of Ukraine, pledge support for refugees

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors adopted a motion Tuesday formally condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine and urging federal elected leaders to take steps ensuring support and protection of Ukrainian immigrants and refugees.

“Over the last several days we have witnessed the incredible strength, bravery, and unwavering patriotism of the Ukrainian people,” Supervisor Janice Hahn, who introduced the motion, said in a statement prior to the vote. “We must condemn this unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression by the Russian military against Ukraine, assist any Ukrainian-Americans in Los Angeles County who have been impacted by this crisis, and offer our support to refugees fleeing the violence.”

The motion specifically calls for a letter signed by all five county supervisors to be sent to Anatoly Antonov, Russian ambassador to the United States, urging the Russian government to immediately begin peace talks to resolve the conflict.

It also calls for another five-signature letter to be send to President Joe Biden and members of the county’s congressional delegation asking that temporary protected status be provided for Ukrainian nationals in the United States and providing support for relatives of Ukrainian-Americans to relocate to the U.S. The letter will also request additional funding for nonprofit groups working with the U.S. State Department to resettle refugees.

The board’s action also directed the county Department of Consumer and Business Affairs’ Office of Immigrant Affairs to assist county residents searching for information or help for relatives and friends impacted by the Russian invasion.

Supervisor Kathryn Barger, with support from Hahn, amended the motion to request that the Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association divest any Russian holdings, and asking the county CEO to report back in two weeks on the possibility of canceling county contracts with companies that do business in Russia.