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Residents press council on immigration sweeps; Gonzales Police reiterate non-enforcement stance
Summary
Multiple residents called on the city to adopt local policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement; the Gonzales Police Department posted a statement saying it does not enforce federal immigration law and encourages residents to report crimes and learn their rights.
Multiple residents used the council's public-comment period to urge Gonzales elected officials to adopt protections for immigrants and to publicly commit to limiting local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Anna Mae Gazzo, speaking as a resident, asked the council to consider three measures: prohibit local law enforcement from making arrests for federal immigration violations; prohibit deputying of local officers to enforce federal immigration law; and prohibit the collection or sharing of information about an individual's immigration status. Roberta Ruiz Camacho and several other speakers invited council members and the police chief to attend a community "Know Your Rights" forum at Gonzales High School the coming Friday, where immigration attorneys will provide information.
City and police response The Gonzales Police Department posted a public statement shortly before the meeting that the department "does not enforce federal immigration law." The statement said the department does not stop, detain or arrest people for immigration violations, does not question people about immigration status, and does not keep immigration records. The statement cited the California Values Act (SB 54) and said the department follows its provisions, with exceptions for operations involving dangerous or violent fugitives. The department encouraged residents to learn about their rights and to report crimes.
Why it matters: callers said fear of federal enforcement is causing community distress and interfering with school attendance and daily life. Residents requested clearer city-level communications and presence at legal-rights events.
Quotes and attribution - "I am asking the city council to consider doing these things to make it more difficult on ICE to cause harm in our community," Anna Mae Gazzo, resident, said while requesting the three measures. - "The Gonzales Police Department does not enforce federal immigration law," the department statement posted by the police chief said.
Next steps Residents said they expect council members or the police chief to attend the Friday high-school forum. Council members acknowledged the community'organized events and staff said they would coordinate information and links to county "Know Your Rights" resources on the city website.
