Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Immigration Enforcement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents raise ICE concerns; police chief and staff deny cooperation and staff to research immigrant support options
Summary
Multiple residents alleged increased ICE activity and urged council action. The police chief (unnamed) said the department is not assisting ICE in immigration actions; staff clarified a Homeland Security grant for the Dewey Center is for a backup generator for emergency operations, not a federal detention or ICE facility. Council asked staff to return with options for modest immigrant‑support investments.
A string of public commenters raised concerns about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in the city, alleging early‑morning enforcement actions and asking the council to clarify policy and protections for immigrant residents.
Public commenters described distress and fear after several community members reported ICE presence near homes and public spaces. Jay Freeman and others urged the council to address perceived corruption and safety threats; speakers asked police and city staff to clarify whether local law enforcement was assisting federal agents.
In response, an unnamed law enforcement official stated at the meeting: "We are not assisting ICE in any immigration action whatsoever." City staff also clarified earlier comments about a direct appropriation from the Department of Homeland Security: the $375,000 appropriation described by staff is for a backup generator at the Dewey Center to provide emergency power for an emergency operations center, not to stand up an ICE facility.
Following discussion, a council member requested staff research modest options other cities and the county have used — for example, small grant programs for immigrant legal support and outreach — and return to council with recommendations; the mayor asked staff to bring options back at a future meeting for council consideration.
What’s next: Staff will research what the county and neighboring cities have done to support immigrant communities and return with options.
