Speakers urge city to clarify protections after ICE activity concern raised ahead of Hispanic Heritage events

Several residents used the City Council’s public‑comment period on Sept. 3 to raise concerns about possible Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence at upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month events in North Las Vegas and to ask what the city will do to protect attendees.

Jasmine Canada told the council she and others are “tired of living in fear” and said she fears that attendees or performers could be detained by ICE at public events. “I will continue to come here until something gets done,” she said during the second public forum.

Another speaker, who identified himself as Dutch Harbor, said last year’s Hispanic Heritage event drew a large crowd but said the national enforcement posture has changed and asked, “What are you guys gonna do about that?” He linked his concern to broader reports of increased ICE enforcement and asked the city to clarify any protections for attendees.

Council members did not take action at the meeting. The mayor closed the public forum after several speakers; staff did not present a formal plan or response in that session. The speakers asked for follow‑up and said they will continue to attend meetings until the city provides clearer assurances or policies regarding enforcement activity during public events.

The council agenda included a number of Hispanic Heritage Month items and community events announced by council members earlier in the meeting, including a September 14 kickoff at Liberty Park. The speakers’ concerns focused on enforcement presence at such gatherings and whether performers or attendees who are not in compliance with federal immigration law would be at risk while participating in city‑sponsored or city‑adjacent events.

No formal city policy change or directive was made at the meeting; the public comments were recorded on the transcript and may be referred to staff for follow‑up.