Lompoc council directs staff to draft resolution backing protections for undocumented residents

The Lompoc City Council on April 1 directed staff to draft a resolution expressing the council’s support for protecting the rights and privileges of undocumented residents in Lompoc and for the city to pursue limited, factual outreach consistent with existing law. The council did not adopt a final resolution tonight; it instructed the city attorney and staff to prepare language and return it for consideration at the next regular council meeting.

Council members and the police chief framed the action as a formal statement of support for how the Lompoc Police Department already operates under California law. The council’s instruction asked the draft to reference the state statute commonly known as SB 54 — the law that restricts local law enforcement from assisting in most federal immigration enforcement actions — and to avoid taking steps that would legally or financially jeopardize city operations or public‑safety funding.

Why it matters: Dozens of residents, many identifying with the group Voces Sin Fronteras and allied organizations, urged the council to adopt measures they said would reduce fear in immigrant communities and make clear that local government and police will not use city resources for immigration enforcement. Council members said they wanted to respond in a way that reassured residents while staying inside the city’s legal authority and fiscal limits.

Public comment and police position

The council heard more than two dozen speakers during an extended public‑comment period on the item. Speakers described fear in immigrant families, urged the city to “be seen, heard, assured and represented,” and repeatedly said their request was not to create a “sanctuary city” but to secure a written statement and tools to share accurate information.

Lompoc Police Chief Kevin Martin told the council the department “has not and will not participate in any immigration enforcement action and has not.” He added that if federal agents required emergency assistance, LPD officers would respond to ensure safety but that routine immigration enforcement is not the department’s role.

Council direction and next steps

Councilmember Bridge moved and Councilmember Vega seconded a motion directing the city attorney and staff to draft a resolution that: (1) proclaims the council’s support for protecting the rights and privileges of undocumented residents in Lompoc; and (2) expressly recognizes and reaffirms compliance with existing California law, specifically SB 54. The council asked staff to prepare the draft as soon as possible and return it at the next regular meeting for final consideration (council indicated an intent to see the draft in roughly two weeks).

Council members reiterated limits on city authority and finances, including caution about using city funds for material distribution or sponsoring events that could require the city to accommodate other groups. Several council members suggested community groups pursue Parks & Recreation grants and other nonprofit channels to host screenings or informational events.

Votes at a glance

- Consent calendar (six routine items including payroll and a lease, amendment to a cooperative dispatch agreement, introduction of an ordinance on procurement of organic products, and a hazardous‑waste services agreement): motion to approve by Mayor Pro Tem Victor Vega; seconded by Councilmember Jeremy Ball; vote recorded as 5–0 in favor. - Appointment to Airport Commission: nomination of Carlo Della Fuente (moved by Councilmember Jeremy Ball; seconded; approved 5–0). - Resolution on protections for undocumented residents: council directed staff to draft and return a proposed resolution referencing SB 54 for consideration at the next meeting (motion by Councilmember Bridge; second by Mayor Pro Tem Victor Vega). The council provided direction rather than adopting the resolution tonight.

What the proposed resolution will and will not do

Council members and the city attorney repeatedly emphasized that the city cannot override state or federal law. The instruction tonight asks staff to draft a statement that (a) aligns with and reaffirms existing state law (SB 54) and current LPD policy; and (b) commits the city to “endeavor” to provide factual information to residents if that can be done legally and without preferential use of city resources. The council explicitly declined to authorize open‑ended city funding for outreach or to unilaterally change policing practices.

Community reaction and next steps

Speakers from Voces Sin Fronteras and allied groups described the council’s direction as a meaningful first step and said they would continue organizing and working with nonprofit partners to host informational events. Councilmembers encouraged the groups to pursue Parks & Recreation grant funding and other community venues for public screenings and gatherings. The city attorney will prepare draft resolution language and staff will return it to the council for a future vote (council asked for the draft to return at the next regular meeting).