During the meeting’s public-comment period, two speakers addressed council members about immigration enforcement and community resources.

Stephanie Hernandez introduced herself as a new field representative for U.S. Rep. Gil Cisneros and said she is covering South El Monte. Hernandez said the congressman’s office is available to assist residents and that the office had recently held a town hall in Azusa; she offered constituent contact information and said the office hopes to hold events in South El Monte in the coming months.

A resident, Kimberly Valencia, who identified herself as a lifelong South El Monte resident and community volunteer, urged stronger action in response to immigration raids she said are causing fear and trauma in the community. Valencia cited demographic data presented in her remarks and urged the council to consider several steps including creating a local legal-defense fund to assist residents facing detention, increasing oversight and transparency around detention practices, widely publishing know-your-rights materials on the city’s website and social channels, and partnering with mental-health providers to support impacted families. Valencia said such actions would provide practical support and reduce community harm.

Council members and staff said they have already posted a range of legal and resource information from congressional and state offices on the city website and on social media, and encouraged residents to contact staff for links. The mayor noted that sheriff leadership had issued a statement limiting department involvement with ICE absent violence or other enforcement exigencies.

Ending: The council said staff will continue to post resource information and the council thanked the speakers for raising concerns; no formal policy action was taken at the meeting.