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 memo describing existing efforts and options to expand them, and to prepare a memorandum with budget options including “exploring provisions of legal assistance and other services to communities in need,” according to the memo language read into the record.

A staff representative told the committee that because much of the work described is already underway, the item was a “green light” and “does not need a workload analysis.” The memorandum also requests returning an item as a resolution that would reaffirm that “no city employee, including SJPD, will inquire into someone’s legal status or cooperate with federal immigration enforcement,” and calls for coordination with Santa Clara County and community organizations including the rapid response network.

More than two dozen public commenters — nonprofit leaders, community organizers and legal-service providers — urged approval. Fred Buso, director of advocacy and community engagement for Catholic Charities, asked the committee to “reaffirm your commitment … and move this memo forward to the full council.” Jeremy Barus of Amigos de Guadalupe said investing “in legal services, expanding the rapid response network” and staffing its hotline would send a message of protection to immigrant families.

Speakers described widespread fear in neighborhoods, including false reports of ICE activity on social media and families withdrawing from schools and health services. Legal-service representatives warned existing providers are already stretched; The Law Foundation said it saw long lines and two-hour waits when opening intake the prior week.

Committee members spoke in support. Vice Mayor Kamei moved to advance the item to the full council; after discussion the committee agreed to an amendment directing staff to proceed with actions identified in items 1, 2 and 4 without requiring additional full-council approval and to return the proposed resolution at the first council meeting in February. The committee approved the motion and amendment on a 5-0 vote.

Outcome and next steps identified in the committee record include: staff to prepare the information memo and budget options for legal services and rapid-response capacity; coordination with county and community partners; and returning a resolution for formal reaffirmation of the city’s policy stance. The committee did not set specific funding amounts; members and public commenters acknowledged budget constraints and asked the city to identify options in the upcoming budget process.

The committee vote was recorded as unanimous among members present: Kendellis; Dwan; Foley; Kamay; and Chair Cohen. Staff noted continuing work with community partners and recommended next steps be incorporated into the city’s budget review schedule.

The committee moved on to open forum after the vote; no additional action on this item was taken at the meeting.