Soledad council members express solidarity with immigrant communities after ICE raids, urge restraint in local enforcement

Several Soledad council members used an added council‑comment period at the end of the June budget workshop to address recent immigration enforcement operations in Los Angeles and to assure local residents that municipal law enforcement does not enforce federal immigration law.

Mayor Anna Velasquez read a statement expressing solidarity with affected families, described the raids as causing fear and anxiety in immigrant communities, and reiterated that local policing focuses on public safety rather than immigration enforcement. “We are not here to enforce immigration laws,” the mayor said in the council chamber.

Other council members echoed support for residents and asked the city to continue posting resources for immigrant families. Council members also urged orderly, lawful public demonstrations; one speaker noted that the manner of demonstrations — including use of foreign flags in confrontational ways — can increase fear among families and students.

Why it matters: Soledad has a large immigrant population and several council members emphasized that city officials should communicate available resources and the limits of local authority so that residents understand what protections and services the city can offer. Staff said the city’s website includes immigration‑related resources and that the city will continue to share information.

No formal action or resolution was taken at the meeting; council comments were informal statements for the public record.

Ending: Councilmembers closed the discussion asking staff to post available immigrant‑services resources on the city website and to keep the community informed.