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Council agrees to place debate on welcoming-immigrant resolution on next agenda after members press for clarity
Summary
Councilmembers discussed immigrant-community concerns raised in public comment and agreed to place an item on a future agenda to consider a resolution reaffirming Moreno Valley as a welcoming community; city manager and staff noted the state is already aligned and no city resolution currently exists.
Council members agreed to add an item to the next meeting agenda to consider a resolution affirming the City of Moreno Valley as a welcoming community for immigrants regardless of immigration status, after several members expressed concern about possible federal immigration activity and its local effects.
Council Member Gonzales moved to place the resolution on a future agenda to "affirm the city of Moreno Valley's commitment that we're a welcoming community to all law abiding immigrants regardless of their immigration status;" Council Member Delgado seconded the motion. The motion was scheduled for the next council meeting.
City Manager Bridal Mohan and staff clarified that California is a "sanctuary state" under state law and that the county and other local bodies have issued similar resolutions, but Mohan said the city has not previously adopted a formal city resolution affirming that position. Mohan described prior statements of the council as aligned with the state's stance but confirmed there is no separate Moreno Valley city resolution on file.
The referral followed public comments urging the city to notify residents ahead of any Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity and concerns expressed about the potential impact of federal enforcement actions. Council members used their closing remarks to urge residents to treat neighbors with dignity and to direct staff to prepare material for council deliberation at the next meeting.
