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Residents urge Placentia to limit cooperation with ICE and call for alert systems; local resident alleges tow‑contract fraud
Summary
During public comment residents urged action to protect immigrants — requesting an alert system for ICE activity, new support programs for families, and a clear end to law enforcement cooperation with ICE. A resident also alleged fraud and safety violations by a tow‑company applicant and asked the council to vet bidders closely.
Several residents used the oral‑communications period at the July 1 Placentia City Council meeting to press elected leaders on immigrant safety and law‑enforcement practices, and to raise procurement concerns.
Multiple speakers — including Faith Hernandez, Crystal Perfecto and Leticia Palafox — described fear and trauma in immigrant communities after recent immigration enforcement activity in the area. Faith Hernandez asked the council to consider a community alert system (text, email or app) to notify residents when ICE operations are reported or confirmed. "Will the city implement a community alert system notifying residents when ICE operations are occurring in the area?" Hernandez asked, adding that city programs to support families affected by raids are needed to address child welfare and mental‑health impacts.
Leticia Palafox urged the council to "end all, or if any, collaboration between our local law enforcement and ICE," arguing that cooperation discourages crime reporting and undermines trust. Several speakers referenced social‑media videos of enforcement actions and said statements from the local police that they would not collaborate with ICE were insufficient; they asked for stronger, transparent policies and intergovernmental coordination to keep families safe.
Procurement allegation: Arthur Hernandez, a lifelong resident who spoke earlier in the public‑comment period, made specific allegations against a tow company that applied for the city’s tow contract. He accused the company of insurance fraud, misrepresenting work to CHP, and paying employees 'under the table.' Hernandez offered to provide documents and said he was willing to testify or provide evidence. The council did not record a response from staff or a company representative in the meeting transcript.
What the council recorded: No formal policy change or directive was made during the meeting. Councilmembers thanked speakers for raising concerns and acknowledged the requests; Councilmember Smith later asked staff to place a short‑term rental item on a study session, but no action on immigration cooperation or towing‑contract vetting was adopted at that meeting.
Next steps: The transcript shows residents asked for policy follow‑up and greater transparency. Any formal council direction, staff investigation, or procurement action would need to appear in a subsequent agenda or staff report.
