San Jose committee directs staff to prepare memo, funding options and resolution to protect immigrant residents; motion passes 5-0

The Rules and Open Government Committee on Jan. 28 directed city staff to prepare an information memo and budget options aimed at protecting San Jose’s immigrant residents from potential harms tied to the incoming presidential administration and to return a resolution reaffirming the city’s commitment to immigrant protections; the committee approved the action 5-0.

Councilmember Ortiz, a co-author of the memorandum, told the committee that “it is essential that the city take concrete steps to strengthen our support for its immigrant populations,” citing fear in the community and the city’s prior actions during the previous administration such as creating a rapid response network and participating in litigation to limit federal immigration enforcement cooperation.

The memorandum, authored by Councilmembers Ortiz, Campos, Cohen and Candelis, directs the Office of Racial Equity and the City Manager’s policy staff to prepare an informational…