Los Angeles City Councilman Curren Price Jr., CD 9

By Connie Llanos, Jul. 31, 2014, 9th Council District, City of Los Angeles

Los Angeles Councilmembers Gil Cedillo, Mitch O’Farrell, Nury Martinez and Curren Price announced their introduction of a city-wide resolution Thursday calling for the immediate support and humane treatment of unaccompanied immigrant minors. Standing with a coalition of Central American community organizations and local residents, the elected officials expressed their support of ensuring that all minors receive a fair immigration hearing and consideration of their status as refugees. The resolution officially places the City’s position on its Federal Legislative Agenda and denounces any efforts to repeal or reverse the 2008 Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act., which was created to ensure the safety and legal protection of unaccompanied children.

"When we take politics out of the equation, we are dealing with an issue that involves child refugees that are fleeing violence and abuse in their own countries,” said Councilman Gil Cedillo. “We have a humanitarian duty to protect these children and make sure they are not placed in harm's way again. The resolution we will present tomorrow will let the world know that the City of Los Angeles stands with the children."

“As a mother and councilwoman, I believe that our responsibilities to all children extend beyond borders and politics. My heart goes out to those parents that were forced to send their children alone because keeping them meant a far worse fate. Our nation succeeds, in part, because of our compassion," said Councilwoman Nury Martinez.

“As an elected official sometimes you need to use your voice to call for what’s right and just. These children have fled terrible conditions at home, in search of a better life as so many other Americans have done before them. Today, we want them to know that the City of Los Angeles is a safe place where they will be treated with compassion” said Councilman Curren Price, who represents the Ninth Council District, spanning the Central portion of South Los Angeles.