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Residents urge Peoria leaders to outline protections against ICE actions, raise concerns about Axon surveillance
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Summary
Multiple speakers at the Jan. 13 council meeting asked Peoria leaders for a clear plan to protect residents and schools from ICE activity and raised concerns about the city's proposed Axon contract extension and surveillance risks.
Four members of the public used the Citizens Opportunity period at the Jan. 13 Peoria City Council meeting to press elected leaders for clearer statements and local plans about immigration‑enforcement actions and to express worries about municipal procurement of surveillance technology.
Dr. Hen Abi Akar told the council that federal agents could endanger residents and criticized federal obstruction of local investigators, then asked Mayor Ali and Chief Echeverria what protections the city plans to provide. "What are your plans to protect us? What is the safety net that we have if or when ICE attacks?" Dr. Akar asked, and said she had not found a specific statement from the council on the issue.
Estrella Diaz said she was concerned that Axon Enterprises — the company identified in the consent agenda for a FUSIS software extension — works with the Department of Homeland Security and with foreign partners, and warned about domestic use of surveillance techniques. "I also had concerns about Axon, just because that company is the same company that works with Homeland Security, DHS," Diaz said, adding she feared overseas surveillance practices could be used locally.
A community organizer who described coordinating a vigil after the killing of Renee Goode called for planning to protect schools and students if ICE activity occurs locally, saying the community expects leadership and actionable steps rather than just statements. Tara Wood echoed those requests and said she wanted more concrete communication and a clear plan from law enforcement and elected officials to reassure residents.
None of the public comments resulted in a formal council directive during the meeting; several speakers explicitly asked for city leadership to offer stronger public statements and to develop plans for protecting local residents and school communities.
Council members did not make specific policy commitments on the record during the public comment period but later approved the consent agenda item that included the Axon contract extension.
