During the Hawaiian Gardens City Council meeting on July 23, 2025, a significant focus was placed on community safety and immigration concerns, highlighting the city's proactive approach to addressing these pressing issues.

One of the key discussions centered around the recommendation from the Public Safety Commission to conduct a traffic study, particularly regarding the installation of speed humps. City officials emphasized the need for a comprehensive traffic study to gather data on speed and traffic counts, which is essential for determining the feasibility of speed humps as a traffic calming measure. The estimated cost for this study is between $8,000 and $10,000. Council members expressed the importance of conducting this study during the school year to ensure accurate data collection. The motion to pursue this study was unanimously approved, signaling the council's commitment to enhancing road safety for residents.

Another major topic was the city's response to federal immigration enforcement activities. The council discussed the need for a clear plan to address community concerns regarding immigration enforcement, especially in light of recent reports of ICE activity. City staff revealed that they are developing a resource guide to assist residents with immigration-related services, which will be available in both English and Spanish. The guide aims to educate the community about their rights and provide necessary resources.

Council members raised questions about the legal implications of ICE entering public events, such as the Hawaiian Gardens car show, and the need for a formal action plan to ensure the safety of residents during such occurrences. The city manager assured the council that staff would work on creating a comprehensive plan in collaboration with local agencies to address these concerns effectively.

The council's discussions reflect a strong commitment to community safety and support, with plans to enhance traffic safety measures and provide vital resources to residents facing immigration challenges. The unanimous approval of both the traffic study and the resource guide underscores the city's dedication to addressing the needs of its community.