Residents urge Glendora to condemn federal enforcement; mayor reads city statement reaffirming compliance with California law

Dozens of Glendora residents used the council's public-comment period to press elected officials to condemn recent federal immigration enforcement tactics, demand greater identification and transparency from agents operating in the region, and ask the city to expand resources and "know your rights" information for residents.

Mayor David Friedendahl opened the session by reading a statement from City Manager Adam Raymond and Police Chief Michael Randazzo that said the Glendora Police Department operates in accordance with the California Values Act (Senate Bill 54), does not participate in civil immigration enforcement, and does not detain people on civil immigration detainers except where the law permits. "Our officers do not engage in civil immigration enforcement, do not inquire about an individual's immigration status, and do not detain individuals based solely on civil immigration detainers or requests from federal agencies unless required to do so under the exceptions permitted by the law," the mayor read.

Community members told the council they had observed masked, plainclothes agents and unmarked vans in and near Glendora and said the tactics being used in recent regional operations had created fear among Latino residents, mixed‑status families, and others who work in the city. Several speakers asked the city to adopt stronger public measures, including a requirement that any federal agents operating in Glendora show official identification and documentation, and asked the council to publicize policies and resources to reassure residents.

"If you are Latino, if you're Chicana like me, the answer is yes," resident Lily Rutia said, describing why she carries her passport and adding, "What are the officials of Glendora doing to ensure that we are safe from these increasingly unconstitutional assaults?" Krista Granger urged the council to state publicly that Glendora PD would not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement and to adopt an identification-verification policy for federal agents. The League of Women Voters of the Mount Baldy Area also urged the council to affirm the right to peaceful protest and to condemn the federal use of force in recent incidents.

Speakers cited data and reports during public comment. Professor Alicia Romero referred to previously released ICE statistics and told council members that many people detained in recent operations had no criminal convictions; she and other speakers asked the council to instruct the police department to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a federal agent. Others described personal or family experiences of fear and disruption.

Council members thanked the speakers and reiterated the city's statement affirming compliance with state law. Several council members urged residents who are concerned to contact state and federal representatives in addition to local leaders. No formal council action was taken on a resolution or ordinance at this meeting; councilmembers said the city's written statement and police practices would guide staff response.

The council meeting continued with its scheduled agenda items after the public-comment period ended.