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Newark City Council unanimously reaffirms 'welcoming city' resolution amid resident concerns over immigration fear
Summary
The Newark City Council voted 5-0 to reaffirm a 2017 resolution declaring Newark a welcoming city, restating that local police will not enforce federal immigration law and urging community outreach after recent reports of fear among immigrant residents.
The Newark City Council on Feb. 25 unanimously reaffirmed a 2017 resolution declaring the city a welcoming community, restating that local law enforcement will not assist in federal immigration enforcement and urging outreach to residents after recent reports of fear in immigrant communities.
Mayor Michael Hannon opened the discussion by describing the reaffirmation as a reminder to residents that “your immigration status does not matter to us,” and saying local authorities want all residents to feel safe calling 911 and using city services. Hannon cited the original 2017 resolution (Resolution 10.598) and referenced state law (referred to in the meeting as section 7284.6) that bars local agencies from using personnel or resources for immigration enforcement.
The reaffirmation matter drew comments from council members and residents. Vice Mayor Eve Little described the topic as “very, very sensitive” and recounted conversations with students and community members who reported fear about attending school or leaving home. Councilmember Contanzio spoke about the record-high participation in Newark’s 2020 census outreach and said ensuring people are counted is important to community funding. Councilmember Grundahl urged clarity and stressed that “our taxes should never be used to attack our residents.”
Several community leaders spoke in support. Former council member and business owner Susie Koyasa said she had received a phone call from a mother whose third-generation daughter refused to attend school because she feared immigration agents would come to the campus. Resident Miss Ortega thanked the council for taking action and said the reaffirmation made her community feel safer.
City Manager Boonen and council members emphasized the limits of local authority while emphasizing the council’s role in communicating inclusion and protections. Hannon asked council colleagues to help spread the message that Newark stands by the resolution and urged local leaders to get that information to communities that may be fearful.
Vice Mayor Little made the motion to reaffirm the resolution; Councilmember Del Contanzio seconded. The council voted 5-0 to reaffirm the resolution. Mayor Hannon then called a five-minute recess.
Votes at a glance - Reaffirm resolution declaring City of Newark a welcoming city (Resolution 10.598, originally adopted 2017). Motion by Vice Mayor Eve Little; second by Councilmember Del Contanzio. Vote: 5-0, approved.
Why it matters: Council members framed the reaffirmation as both a legal and practical declaration: it aligns the city with state law prohibiting local participation in immigration enforcement and seeks to reassure immigrant residents so they will use city services, be counted in the census, and report crimes without fear.
What the resolution says: As read into the record during the meeting, the resolution affirms Newark’s commitment to inclusiveness, mutual respect and cooperation; states the Newark Police Department does not actively participate in enforcement of federal immigration laws; and declares the city a welcoming community.
