Residents urge El Cajon council to rescind immigration resolution; recall organizers report growing support

Dozens of residents told the El Cajon City Council on Sept. 19 that the council should rescind a previously adopted immigration-related resolution and should follow California law limiting local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

Leslie Thompson, a substitute teacher who said she has lived in El Cajon for 11 years, told the council she opposes local cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and cited California’s SB 54. “Children are afraid to go to school. Their parents are afraid to bring them to school,” Thompson said, adding that she does not want students to feel unsafe.

Stephanie Cochon, who said she has helped collect signatures for a recall campaign, read aloud portions of the El Cajon Police Department policy manual and said the policy’s language discouraging immigration-status inquiries conflicts with the message sent by the council resolution. “Knowing this policy and its intent, the resolution sends a contrarian message to the community,” Cochon said.

Other speakers — including Alexander Kraft (a labor leader and community organizer), Harper Rowan, Chris Ford (identified as speaking from “District 1”), Valerie Traina and Carlos Perez (a 40-year resident) — criticized the council’s position, announced or promoted recall activity, or urged adherence to SB 54. Alexander Kraft said he plans to run for mayor in 2026 and accused current leadership of prioritizing political ambitions over residents’ needs.

Several public commenters framed their objections in moral and religious terms; Joanne Pastore, an artist, said Americans’ pledge to liberty and justice is inconsistent with police cooperation with ICE and called the agency “bullies.” Others cited historical comparisons and urged reversal of the council’s policy stance.

Council members responded only briefly during public comment; Council Members Kendrick and Mitchell were thanked by speakers for prior votes against the resolution. No council motion to rescind the resolution was made during the meeting. Multiple speakers said recall efforts against at least one council member have gained momentum and urged others to introduce a rescission resolution.

Authorities cited by speakers included SB 54, the California statute often described as limiting local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, and provisions of the El Cajon Police Department policy manual, which speakers read or referenced during remarks.

The council did not take action on a rescission during the meeting; several speakers requested the item be placed on a future agenda.