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El Cajon public comments call for recall of Councilman Phil Ortiz after councilresolution on ICE cooperation
Summary
Dozens of residents spoke for and against a recall petition targeting Councilman Phil Ortiz following council action related to cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Speakers cited family separations, public safety and due process; Ortiz defended his vote as public-safety driven.
Dozens of residents filled the El Cajon City Council chambers on April 22 to urge either the recall or continued support of Councilman Phil Ortiz after the council voted earlier this year on a resolution about cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Speakers ranged from longtime residents and faith leaders to veterans and small-business owners, and the meeting became a forum for conflicting views about public safety and immigrant rights.
The debate centered on the council—s recent vote to work with federal officials on violent criminal noncitizens, a measure supporters described as a public-safety action and opponents described as a betrayal of immigrant families and local sanctuary policies.
"I am absolutely shocked and disgusted that I have to come and address Mayor Wells," resident Ilka Weston said during public…
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