Introduction to the Financial Burden
Just days after Los Angeles finalizes the budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year by narrowing the $1 billion deficit, the city already began hemorrhaging money as it enforces public safety amid protests sparked by ICE raids.
The Extent of the Costs
LA City Controller Kenneth Meija said in nearly two weeks, the city spent more than $17 million on protest-related enforcement alone, with much of the cost being related to LAPD officers’ overtime. Another $2 million is spent on labor costs for employees who had to clean and repair following the protests.
UPDATE : The City of LA has spent $19.7 MILLION so far in response to the June protests against ICE.
This spans a week-and-a-half thru June 16, 2025.
(These do not include potential lawsuits or liability claims) pic.twitter.com/HEacwzjbUB
— LA City Controller Kenneth Mejia (@lacontroller) June 17, 2025
Unplanned Expenses
“These (costs) were not planned,” Meija said, adding the protest-related costs will have to be fractured into the new $14 billion budget.
“When things are not planned, we do have to pull from our emergency funds, and that might be a possibility with our reserve fund,” the controller added.
Potential for Further Costs
The new financial headache for the city does not include potential costs stemming from lawsuits filed against the LAPD, with people already claiming officers and deputies from the LA County Sheriff’s Department violated civil rights with excessive use of force.
Explaining that the city spent $20 million in settlement for lawsuits filed during the 2020 protests, Meija warned how officers interacting with the public could come with a price tag.
“We have to be very sure about how we’re responding, especially in terms of the use of force with our police department, because there is that possibility of not only the financial side, but the human side of people getting seriously hurt,” Meija said.
Ongoing Lawsuits and Projected Settlements
Among the 55 lawsuits the city faced from 2020, 21 cases are still ongoing, according to Meija.
As the city is projected to pay at least $320 million in settlements and judgments – more than three and a half times the $87 million that city officials budgeted for – Meija urged residents to flag any issues that may be costing taxpayers overall.
“I am your accountant and your auditor,” Meija said. “If there’s anything you want me to look after in terms of costs or make sure that things are being followed properly in terms of our involvement with what’s going on, please reach out to me. Just know we’re here to provide that transparency and accountability on your tax dollars.”
Conclusion
The city’s financial situation is becoming increasingly complex due to unforeseen protest-related costs. The need for transparency and accountability in managing taxpayers’ money is more crucial than ever. As the city navigates these challenges, it must balance the need for public safety with the potential financial and human costs of its actions.
FAQs
- Q: How much has the city spent on protest-related enforcement?
A: The city has spent more than $17 million on protest-related enforcement alone, with an additional $2 million for labor costs, totaling $19.7 million as of June 16, 2025. - Q: Are these costs included in the city’s budget?
A: No, these costs were not planned and will have to be accommodated within the new $14 billion budget, potentially by pulling from emergency funds or the reserve fund. - Q: Are there potential additional costs from lawsuits?
A: Yes, there are potential additional costs from lawsuits filed against the LAPD for alleged civil rights violations and excessive use of force. - Q: How can residents contribute to cost management and transparency?
A: Residents can flag any issues that may be costing taxpayers and reach out to the city controller for transparency and accountability on tax dollars.
