Media

The Trump administration's decision Tuesday to punt the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program to Congress prompted strong criticism from South Bay elected officials to the immigration policy change that could affect tens of thousands of Californians.

Here's a sample of the reaction from prominent local Democrats:

House GOP leaders won't be allowing votes this week on Democratic proposals to prevent taxpayer funds from benefiting businesses owned by President Trump.

Multiple Democrats had filed amendments to a government spending package set to be considered on the House floor this week to ensure the president is not personally enriched by the federal government.

"DACA is an unconstitutional exercise of authority by the executive branch."

— Attorney General Jeff Sessions

"Only by the reliable enforcement of immigration law can we produce safe communities, a robust middle class, and economic fairness for all Americans."

— President Donald Trump

"Congress, get ready to do your job - DACA!"

— Trump, via Twitter

As reports circulated Sunday night about President Trump's plans to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program, also known as the DACA, Democrats took to Twitter to share their thoughts and reactions.

"If Trump decides to end DACA, it will be one of the ugliest and cruelest decisions ever made by a president in our modern history," tweeted Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.

Protests are expected to continue Monday in downtown Los Angeles amid reports President Trump plans to end support for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, with a six-month delay to allow Congress to come up with an alternative.

The program, known as DACA and introduced by former President Barack Obama in 2012, allows people who were brought into the United States illegally as children to work and study in the country without fear of being deported.

Representative Ted Lieu (D-CA) has reintroduced an amendment to cut funds from the Drug Enforcement Agency's (DEA) cannabis eradication program through their Salaries and Expenses Account. In 2016, the budget for the eradication program was $18 million and the amendment would cut that in half. The funds would be redirected to domestic abuse prevention and juvenile justice programs.