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Guadalupe Council unanimously adopts resolution backing undocumented residents, affirms SB 54 compliance
Summary
The Guadalupe City Council voted 5-0 to adopt Resolution No. 2025-23 affirming support for undocumented residents and the city’s compliance with California Senate Bill 54. Dozens of community members, nonprofit organizers and immigration advocates spoke in favor during a lengthy public comment period.
The Guadalupe City Council voted unanimously on May 13 to adopt Resolution No. 2025-23 expressing support for undocumented residents of Guadalupe and affirming the city’s commitment to follow California law, Senate Bill 54, also referenced in staff materials as the California Values Act.
The resolution, brought to the council by staff after direction on April 22, states the Guadalupe Police Department is prohibited from participating in immigration enforcement except in limited circumstances under SB 54. Staff told the council there was no fiscal impact associated with the resolution.
The resolution drew an extended public comment period. Dozens of residents, community organizers and nonprofit leaders urged adoption, highlighting fear among farmworker and indigenous families and children after recent regional immigration enforcement activity. Teresa Suarez, who identified herself as a coordinator for a youth program, told the council: "ICE activity is not a legal issue. It's a human right issue." Elizabeth Ramirez Berrigan, a supervising immigration attorney, said local legal aid providers had received more than 10 rapid‑response referrals in recent months and described early‑morning workplace arrests in the region.
Council members framed the vote as both a local reaffirmation of existing policy and a public statement intended to reassure immigrant residents. Council member Hernandez said she has "heard the stories, families living in fear, children missing schools because they're afraid their parents might not come home," and said the resolution "sends a message that Guadalupe stands for compassion, dignity, and the safety of all residents, documented or not." Mayor Julian joined other council members in voting aye.
Council roll call after debate recorded five ayes: Council member Acosta Jr., Council member Fernandez, Council member Villegas, Council member Hernandez and Mayor Julian. The resolution passed 5-0.
The staff report presented to council noted that current city policies and procedures are already in compliance with SB 54 and added that staff would "endeavor to spread factual information in all of its communication with immigrant communities, whether documented or undocumented." The council did not attach supplemental fiscal measures or operational directives to the resolution during the meeting.
Community groups in attendance included local organizers with Mixteco/Indígena groups, legal service providers and local youth programs; speakers emphasized both the symbolic and practical importance of a city affirmation when residents report fear of enforcement. Several commenters urged that the city also use its communications channels to share accurate information with immigrant communities and asked for continued coordination with nonprofit rapid‑response partners.
What happens next: Adoption of the resolution is a formal statement of council policy and does not itself change day‑to‑day police procedure, which staff said already complies with SB 54. Council members and speakers indicated intent to continue outreach and coordination with nonprofit partners to distribute accurate information to residents and to review any follow‑up requests at future meetings.
