LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles County officials are set to vote Tuesday on whether to declare a local state of emergency, a move aimed at providing support to residents financially affected by ongoing federal immigration raids.

If approved, the declaration would empower the LA County Board of Supervisors to offer rent relief to tenants struggling due to the intensified immigration enforcement. It could also unlock state funds for legal assistance and other critical services.

Residents would be able to apply for rental assistance through an online portal expected to launch within two months, according to Supervisor Lindsey Horvath’s office. The declaration could also pave the way for an eviction moratorium, though that would require separate approval from the board.

Some landlords are concerned the measure could impose further financial strain after the extended eviction and rent freeze during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since June, the Los Angeles area has been a focal point of the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration policies, which have triggered protests and the deployment of National Guard and Marine personnel for over a month. Federal agents have detained undocumented immigrants at locations including Home Depot stores, car washes, bus stops, and farms. Some U.S. citizens have also been caught up in the raids.

Horvath and Supervisor Janice Hahn said the raids have caused fear and instability for households and local businesses.

“They are targeting families, disrupting classrooms, silencing workers, and forcing people to choose between staying safe and staying housed,” Horvath said, criticizing the federal actions. She added that declaring a local emergency “is how we fight back.”

Last week, the five-member Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 to place the emergency declaration on Tuesday’s agenda. Supervisor Kathryn Barger cast the sole dissenting vote, arguing that the raids do not constitute an emergency and that the measure could unfairly burden landlords.

“I’m sure we’re going to face legal challenges,” Barger said, referencing lawsuits stemming from the county’s eviction moratorium during the pandemic.

Landlords continue to feel the impact of COVID-era freezes, which cost property owners billions in uncollected rent and prevented annual rent increases, according to Daniel Yukelson, CEO of the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles.

While sympathetic to tenants affected by immigration enforcement, Yukelson said his association is unaware of any renters unable to pay due to the raids.

“If local jurisdictions allow rent payments to be deferred again because of ICE activities, it could further harm affordable housing in our community,” he warned.