Residents urge formal council discussion after councilmember—acebook post on immigration policy

Several members of the public used Monday's comment period to criticize a social-media statement by Councilmember Hilton that, according to speakers, indicated city departments would not work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on enforcement.

Cheryl Parks told the council she appreciated the police department's stated commitment to public safety but criticized the transparency and process of the social-media announcement. "Why did you think it was right to bypass council's representative democracy to issue broad and sweeping declarations about city policies?" she asked. Parks urged that policies be introduced and discussed at regular council meetings to educate the public.

Ron Kirchich made similar remarks, saying Hilton's post "made it appear that the current council had already discussed this issue, which it never has done," and that the post misled the public by presenting an unofficial position as official. Elias Salinas thanked the council for recognizing retired public-safety employees and said he appreciated a city notice acknowledging California's sanctuary status; Salinas said officers will cooperate if provided with a warrant but urged improved district representation.

Speakers also referenced California laws by number during comments, naming "SB 54, AB 2792, and AB 4" as laws the public should know about when discussing limits on local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

Council did not take immediate action on the comments; speakers asked that immigration policy be discussed in an official session before individual councilmembers post or promote policy positions publicly.