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Montebello leaders condemn regional ICE actions, pledge local support and resources
Summary
Mayor and councilmembers condemned recent immigration enforcement in surrounding communities, said Montebello will not cooperate with ICE and announced community resources and outreach events; police chief reiterated compliance with California law restricting local immigration enforcement.
Montebello Mayor Melendez and the City Council on Wednesday condemned recent immigration enforcement actions in neighboring cities and pledged to protect residents by expanding outreach and legal resources.
The mayor said the safety, dignity and protection of Montebello residents “is and will always be our number one priority,” and called for coordinated local support for residents who feel threatened by the recent operations in Los Angeles and surrounding communities.
Councilmembers joined the mayor in denouncing the raids and urged residents to know their rights. “You have the right to remain silent,” Councilmember Peralta told the meeting, outlining steps people can take if approached by federal agents and announcing a healing and art session at Boulevard Market next Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. to provide community support.
Montebello’s city manager and police chief described how local policy limits police participation in federal immigration enforcement. Chief Lopez told the council the Montebello Police Department “does not hold individuals on ICE detainers” and “does not participate in federal immigration enforcement operations,” and said officers do not question people about immigration status unless required by law.
Chief Lopez cited the city’s alignment with the California Values Act (Senate Bill 54) as the basis for department policy and urged residents to call police if they need help. City officials said the city will partner with legal aid and advocacy groups to make information about rights and services available to residents regardless of immigration status.
Councilmembers also announced community actions intended to reduce fear and provide practical support, including the June 18 restart of the City’s concerts at Montebello City Park and ongoing distribution of informational resources. The mayor and council asked residents to contact city staff for help and promised continued outreach.
The council did not take formal action on enforcement policy at the meeting; statements were given as part of a staff/community update.
