500 families risk being evicted as the city of Bell in South East Los Angeles has continued to make efforts to sell the Bell mobile homes parks.
Beginning in 2021, post-pandemic, the city of Bell voted in favor of selling the Bell and Florence mobile park properties through the “Relocation Impact Report.”
Immediately, the city was met with backlash from community members, as the pandemic had created financial barriers, where many had lost their jobs. Even if the relocation project ensured aid for residents in moving out, many were concerned since tenant rent across the nation was set to increase after the quarantine ended.
This plan for “Relocation” sparked community resistance through protests and campaigns, which were successful at prolonging the selling of the parks.
However, recently, on September 22nd, 2025, the city informed all mobile park residents the Relocation project would continue, creating fear of displacement among community members living in Bell homes, many of which are immigrant low-income Latinxs.
The city has released statements through its website; bellrelocationplan.com, stating the closure is “to ensure safety for its residents and long-term land use planning and community reinvestment.”
Yet, many are skeptical of the city’s management committee, since the past city manager, Paul Phillips, had his contract terminated in 2022 in face of corruption.
In a time where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has already created fear in communities like Bell, the relocation plan seems less than ideal, especially given that the city of bell unlike other south east la communities, has not passed a sanctuary ordinance.
As of recently, there have been reports from locals, of ICE agents working within the Bell Police Department, as well as the city planning to pass laws that would allow surveillance of bell residents through drones. Given there is no sanctuary ordinance, residents of Bell lack information on whether the city has collaborated with ICE officials, which has created conflict between city officials and residents.
Even if California state law prevents local governments from working with ICE, it doesn’t truly prevent subtle cooperation.
As of now, community leaders have created campaigns, such as Bell do Not Sell, led by locals and some members of the non-profit organization Communities for a Better Environment (CBE).
The online social media campaign, led by locals, in collaboration with the Bell Mobile Home Committee, was created to spread awareness and create solidarity within the community. Mainly led by residents of the Bell Mobile Homes, there have been organized protests and events to ensure the safety of mobile home residents.
Through events like “Community Art Days,” peaceful protests, and attendance of City Council meetings, this campaign has sparked local debates on political transparency within cities, as well as reached local news outlets, the County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors, and even California Legislative Assembly.
On January 21st, Janice Hann, a politician serving as a member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors from the 4th district, wrote a letter in support of the Bell Mobile Home parks.
“Mobile home parks are the last bastion of affordable housing… Building new housing should not come at the expense of these residents… many who are seniors and single parents..”
Janice Hann also expressed encouragement to Mayor Ali Saleh to hold a meeting with the LA County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency (LACAHSA).
In addition, on January 28th, Blanca Pacheco, an assembly woman representing the 64th California Assembly District, wrote a letter to Mayor Ali Saleh as well.
“I recognize the fiscal challenges… but I respectfully urge the city to pursue solutions that avoid displacement of residents.” Pacheco wrote in the letter.
With increasing support across South East LA, as well as support reaching a state level, residents have placed pressure on the city to understand the true needs of the residents. As of the month of January, residents continue to fight against redevelopment of the parks
Written by Monserrath Bucio M., News Editor