Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Immigration Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
San Jose council reaffirms protections for immigrants after hours of public comment
Summary
After more than an hour of public testimony, the San Jose City Council unanimously approved a resolution reaffirming that city employees will not ask about immigration status and directing staff to expand legal and rapid‑response resources for immigrant residents.
The San Jose City Council unanimously approved a resolution on Feb. 4 reaffirming the city’s commitment to protecting the safety and dignity of all residents regardless of national origin or legal status.
The measure, put forward by Councilmember Ortiz with co-sponsorship from Councilmembers Campos, Cohen and Candelas, drew a packed public‑comment period. Dozens of residents and nonprofit representatives urged the council to act, citing fears of increased federal immigration enforcement. After brief council debate, Ortiz moved to approve the resolution with a technical rewording; the motion was seconded by Councilmember Duane and passed unanimously.
The resolution restates San Jose policy that city employees, including police, should not ask about immigration status when providing services. Councilmembers and the police chief clarified during debate that officers will still respond to and pursue criminal investigations when a current criminal warrant exists, but that local agencies will not act as immigration‑enforcement agents.
Council discussion also focused on next steps the city should take. Councilmember Ortiz asked the city manager to convene a task force with county and community partners to coordinate legal services and expand the Rapid Response Network, which provides emergency legal aid and referrals when federal immigration actions are reported. Staff said they are already coordinating with county and community organizations and that the city will host a town hall and expand “know your rights” materials at libraries and community centers.
During the public comment period, speakers representing community organizations asked the council to fund 24/7 legal services, expand the Rapid Response Network and formalize non‑cooperation policies. Organizations and speakers who testified included representatives from Powis (Filipino Association of Workers and Immigrants), Sacred Heart Community Service, LUNA, SEARCH Santa Clara County, the NAACP, the American Heart Association and many neighborhood and faith groups.
Mayor Mahan and the police chief told the council that San Jose’s policy is designed to maintain public safety by encouraging all residents to call 911 and access city services without fear of immigration inquiries. The council did not appropriate new funding in this vote; members asked staff to report back with options for a task force, funding needs for expanded legal services and ways to increase public awareness of existing resources.
The resolution passed by unanimous vote.
