A series of public commenters urged the City of Norwalk to take more aggressive, proactive measures after several recent immigration-enforcement actions that residents said have affected local vendors and families. Speakers described specific local incidents and called on the council for clearer public outreach, legal support and municipal policy responses beyond the existing social-service assistance.

City Manager Jesus Gomez opened the council’s reports by outlining steps the city has taken to assist residents affected by ICE activity: outreach to day-care centers, increased food pantry deliveries to homes that residents say are reluctant to visit public distribution sites, coordination with clergy through a monthly meeting, Know Your Rights seminars provided by legal aid organizations (staff reported 81 referrals), and social-service staff dedicated to assisting families with immigration-related needs. "We have a social services department, which hosts social workers, and those are dedicated to families within our city, including families who need immigration assistance," Gomez said (00:54:29).

During oral communications several residents described specific local incidents, including the reported apprehension of a flower vendor at a freeway exit and other neighborhood encounters. Commenters requested that the city take a public, proactive stance and explore emergency measures used elsewhere such as rent moratoria or emergency relief for affected families.

The city attorney responded to the speakers by explaining procedural limits under the Brown Act and the council’s jurisdiction. He said federal immigration enforcement is principally a federal matter and that the city’s role focuses on providing local services within existing law. He noted that litigation over national enforcement policies is currently before federal courts and suggested residents contact their congressional and state representatives for changes at the federal level. The city attorney also pointed to the city manager’s earlier summary of local assistance programs as an example of steps the city is taking to help affected families (01:31:21).

Commenters said they appreciated the services but urged that the city adopt clearer policies and public statements, and provide more plain-language materials and proactive outreach. Council members did not take immediate legislative action that evening; the city manager offered to meet with community members to continue the discussion and to provide more information about services and referrals.

No formal council policy change or emergency ordinance was adopted that night; the record shows the city is continuing outreach, legal referrals and social-service support while city staff and residents pursue further dialogue about potential municipal responses.