Heated public comments target council conduct after exchange over immigration; residents demand apology, some call for resignation

An extended and at times emotional public‑comment period dominated the latter part of the meeting as dozens of residents addressed accusations about councilroom conduct and statements made at a prior meeting.

Several speakers said a councilmember had publicly called members of the Palmdale Freedom Coalition racist after they left a prior meeting. "The attacks on your constituents, Eric, was just uncalled for and, it was like you were racist towards your constituents," said Michelle Lee during public comment. Other speakers echoed calls for a public apology and demanded the councilmember’s resignation.

Representatives and supporters of the Palmdale Freedom Coalition denied the accusation and said they were exercising First Amendment rights; some called the councilmember’s remarks defamatory. "We are done with the skyrocketing ... I believe a public apology is necessary," one speaker told the council. Several speakers also urged the city to provide consistent translation services at council meetings to ensure non‑English speakers can follow proceedings.

Other community members defended the councilmember, saying his remarks reflected concern for local public safety and that he had raised issues in an appropriate forum. The meeting recorded sharp divisions among residents on immigration policy, policing and public decorum. Council members and staff repeatedly reminded attendees of the rules of conduct and asked for respectful discourse during public comment.

At the end of the public‑comment block the council moved into closed session. A few speakers asked the council to act on accountability and civility; council responses focused on process and the need to follow the code of conduct and pursue staff‑directed follow up where appropriate.