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Stockton unanimously adopts 'Compassionate City' resolution to reaffirm protections for immigrants
Summary
The Stockton City Council voted 7-0 to adopt a resolution declaring Stockton a "Compassionate City," reaffirming policies to protect immigrant residents, aligning with state law (SB 54), and directing steps to improve trust and services without impeding federal law enforcement.
The Stockton City Council voted unanimously on Jan. 13 to adopt a "Compassionate City" resolution aimed at affirming local support for immigrants and refugees while remaining in compliance with state law.
Councilmember Enriquez, who introduced the resolution, framed it as a values-driven policy to protect mixed-status families, encourage crime reporting, and provide access to city services without asking about immigration status. He said the resolution was developed over months, involved community town halls, and was modeled in part on Union City's approach. "No human being is illegal," Enriquez said during his presentation, urging the council to pass the measure.
Dozens of residents and advocates spoke at the public hearing, many urging a yes vote and requesting that council members inspect the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) facility in Stockton. Nora Saragosa Yanez, who works with a regional rapid-response hotline, described videos and reports of aggressive enforcement tactics at the ICE site and urged the council to refuse ICE detainers without judicial warrants.
Opponents raised concerns about legal and fiscal implications; one speaker warned about potential federal consequences for sanctuary policies. Councilmembers discussed the resolution's wording several times and emphasized that it does not change state law or direct local police to disobey federal authorities.
After discussion and public comment, the council voted 7-0 to adopt the resolution. Council members said the resolution was intended to increase trust in local government and make clear city policies about service access and cooperation with federal authorities.
The resolution directs the city manager to take administrative steps necessary to carry out the resolution's purpose; several speakers also asked the council to schedule a walkthrough of the ICE processing center at 603 San Juan Avenue so elected officials can assess conditions firsthand.
