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Residents, council members press city for transparency after federal agents shoot at vehicle; police role questioned
Summary
City officials and dozens of residents pressed the City of San Bernardino for information and actions after federal agents shot at a vehicle and later sought police support during an arrest, prompting calls for release of communications and clearer protocols governing interactions with federal immigration agents.
City Manager Levitt reported at a San Bernardino City Council meeting that police responded to reports of shots fired during an incident in which federal agents were involved and later requested San Bernardino Police Department (SBPD) assistance for crowd control during an arrest.
The council heard extended public comment calling for transparency and stronger local protections after what speakers described as masked agents firing at a vehicle and detaining residents without showing warrants. Speakers repeatedly asked the council to release communications between SBPD and federal agents and to adopt clearer identification and coordination rules.
Why it matters: dozens of residents said the incidents have terrorized immigrant communities and undermined trust in public safety agencies. Multiple speakers said they feared further encounters unless the city acts to require federal agents to identify themselves and to clarify when SBPD will assist federal operations.
City Manager's report and police involvement City Manager Levitt told the council that officers initially cleared a scene after federal agents reported an officer-involved shooting because, under the California Values Act of 2018, local law enforcement is prohibited from assisting federal immigration enforcement. Levitt said it was initially unclear whether the person involved was wanted and that officers later returned to assist the feds with crowd control once federal officials said the suspect was wanted for assaulting a federal officer.
Council reaction and promised follow-up Several council members said they would seek more detail about SBPD’s interactions with federal agents. Council member Martis said she would bring questions to the city manager and chief of police to clarify protocols. Mayor Pro Tem disclosed receiving a 2023–24 text from an appellant unrelated to this matter and said he would decide tonight’s appeal only on the record before the council.
Public demands for action Organizers and residents detailed multiple incidents. Brian Sanchez, lead organizer for the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice, urged immediate steps: release all communications between SBPD and federal agents, establish a legal-aid fund for immigrant residents, and set stricter guidelines for mutual aid between local law enforcement and federal immigration officers. Natalia Saka of CHIRLA asked that agents be required to clearly identify themselves when operating in the city.
Other residents described fear after masked people approached a family’s vehicle, broke windows and allegedly fired shots. Speakers said the family called police and felt unsupported. “We can't normalize terrorizing our residents,” Jeanette McCaig said during public comment.
Formal actions and next steps Council members committed to follow-up, with at least one member saying she would submit formal questions to staff and request the protocols governing SBPD’s cooperation with federal agents. The council did not take a binding vote to change policy at the meeting.
Community context and related litigation claims Speakers tied the recent incidents to broader concerns about raids reported earlier in the month at the Home Depot on First Street and to an active temporary restraining order mentioned by advocates. Organizers asked the city to ensure compliance with existing court orders and to provide a clear local policy on interactions with federal agents.
What’s next Council members said staff would be asked to brief the council and community on communications and existing protocols. Residents asked for a public meeting to discuss protections for immigrant communities and for a timeline to release requested records.
