Glendora residents press city leaders over ICE activity; mayor reiterates compliance with California law

Glendora — Dozens of residents urged the Glendora City Council on July 8 to take clearer, public steps protecting immigrants after reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in the region and accounts of unmarked, masked agents detaining people.

The council opened the meeting by reading a city statement drafted by the city manager and police chief that stressed local officers “do not engage in civil immigration enforcement” and cited the California Values Act (Senate Bill 54). The mayor said the statement was issued to “clarify the city's role and reaffirm our commitment to public safety, transparency, and compliance with California law.”

Why it matters: Public fear about federal immigration enforcement — and about individuals impersonating federal agents — prompted a long public-comment period in which speakers described personal experiences and asked the council to take tangible steps, including requiring local verification of anyone claiming to be ICE or CBP. Residents said fear was affecting daily life: several speakers said they or family members now carry passports when leaving home.

Council members heard multiple, often emotional accounts. Bob Moore described seeing law-enforcement activity he believed involved local officers and agents in unmarked vehicles. Lily Urrutia, who identified herself as a U.S. citizen, said she carries her passport “because I might be profiled based on my appearance, based on my name, based on where I work,” and asked what the city is doing to reassure students and residents. Jennifer DeCombs, representing the League of Women Voters of the Mount Baldy Area, urged the council to “condemn the federal use of force” in Los Angeles County and to affirm support for the right to peaceful protest.

Several speakers asked the council to direct the Glendora Police Department to verify the identity of individuals claiming to be federal agents and to publicly denounce racial profiling. Christa Granger and others recounted family histories and said they were frightened by the prospect that masked or unmarked agents could detain neighbors without clear identification. Helen Glaze, a licensed therapist, emphasized the potential for abuse in domestic-violence cases where ICE presence can be used to intimidate victims and urged the council to “adopt an ID verification policy for those claiming to be federal agents.”

The mayor read the city’s statement, which included: “The Glendora Police Department operates in accordance with all applicable state laws, including the California Values Act, otherwise known as Senate Bill 54. As such, our officers do not engage in civil immigration enforcement, do not inquire about an individual's immigration status, and do not detain individuals based solely on civil immigration detainers or requests from federal agencies unless required to do so under the exceptions permitted by the law.”

Council response and next steps: Multiple council members expressed sympathy and said the city was listening. Councilmember Mendel (first name not stated on the record) observed that the city already follows SB 54 and said the department “honor(s) that.” Several council members asked staff to examine whether formal language can be added to policy documents to reflect the city’s position and to consider asking the police department to confirm procedures for verifying federal agents’ identities.

What the council did not do: There was no ordinance, resolution, or formal vote to adopt new local rules at this meeting. Public comment closed after an extended series of speakers and the council indicated staff would follow up; no reportable formal action or ordinance was adopted on this agenda item.

Context and community reaction: Speakers included longtime residents, community organizers, clergy and representatives of the League of Women Voters and other civic groups. Many urged the council to join other cities in demanding greater transparency and restraints on federal tactics and to provide “know your rights” resources for residents and schools. Others urged the council to ensure the police department publicly commits to not assisting ICE beyond what state law requires.

Ending: Councilmembers thanked speakers for coming and reiterated the city statement read at the meeting but did not adopt new policy during the session. Several said they will discuss options with staff and law enforcement and consider what formal steps the city can take while complying with state and federal law.