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Huntington Park public calls for explicit noncooperation with federal immigration enforcement; council adds anticipated-litigation item to closed session
Summary
Public commenters asked the council for eviction protections, know-your-rights outreach, food deliveries, and an explicit pledge limiting local cooperation with ICE; the council voted to add an anticipated litigation item to closed session and city staff clarified police use of one unmarked vehicle for outreach.
Multiple residents addressed the City Council on June 9 with requests for clearer city policies and emergency supports after recent immigration enforcement incidents in the region. Commenters asked for an explicit city statement on noncooperation with federal immigration enforcement, expanded "know your rights" outreach, home food deliveries for families, temporary transit access, and an eviction moratorium for people affected by enforcement actions.
One community organizer asked the council to publish an explicit memorandum asserting that the city will not provide personal information, open city facilities to enforcement actions without a judicial warrant, engage in joint operations with federal immigration agencies, or use city funds and technology to aid federal enforcement unless compelled by a court order. Several speakers asked the police department to limit undercover or unmarked vehicle deployments during the current period of heightened concern and to expand legal and social supports for affected residents.
The police chief (name not specified in the public record) told the council that the Huntington Park Police Department maintains a small number of unmarked vehicles for operational use and that one unmarked vehicle is deployed specifically to support outreach and engagement with vulnerable populations. "We only have 1 unmarked vehicle that is not marked, that is deployed for police service essentially," the chief said, explaining that an unmarked presence can reduce barriers when officers or specialists engage with people experiencing homelessness.
Following public comment, the city attorney advised the council about the narrow criteria for adding an item to a posted agenda. Council members voted to add an anticipated-litigation item to the meeting's closed session under the emergency/after-posting exception. The council recorded a roll-call vote after a motion and second; Council member Macias, Council member Sanavia, Vice Mayor Martinez, Council member Martinez (as recorded), and Mayor Arturo Floyd Flores voted yes. The city attorney said the addition required a supermajority and the motion passed.
City staff said the closed-session agenda would include public-employee discipline/dismissal/release, conference with labor negotiators and anticipated litigation. Staff also said they would follow up with more detail in closed session and that the city manager would coordinate any operational follow-up requested by council members.
Several public speakers emphasized the urgency of legal and social supports while enforcement activity continues in the region, and multiple speakers asked the city to disseminate "know your rights" materials, coordinate door-to-door outreach, and provide legal funds or referrals for detained residents.
