Residents press council over DHS warehouse purchase and immigration enforcement concerns
Loading...
Summary
A resident expressed alarm about federal immigration detention practices and asked whether El Mirage would stand against inhumane treatment; council members later raised concern after news that the Department of Homeland Security purchased a local warehouse and asked staff to hold an open public meeting with police to address resident fears.
A Feb. 3 public commenter described alleged abusive conditions in federal immigration detention and urged the El Mirage City Council to "stand up against cruelty" and to ensure a nearby unused warehouse would not be used for detaining migrants.
Arturo Borunda, speaking during the call to the public, described what he called "a huge building about 7 football fields large" with "cages and cages" and alleged systemic problems including unsanitary conditions, limited medical care and deaths tied to ICE operations. Borunda said: "This is and has been happening in our country. And we need to call it for what it is, a concentration camp," and asked council members, "Will you stand up against cruelty that is on our doorstep?"
Later in the meeting Council Member Norton McDaniel said many residents are concerned after news that a warehouse had been purchased by the Department of Homeland Security. McDaniel asked the city to convene an open public meeting where residents could ask questions of the police chief and other partners to discuss safety and enforcement implications. The mayor and city manager said staff are gathering information and coordinating with partners; the city manager was thanked for outreach and for connecting with partner agencies.
Council did not take formal action on the matter during the meeting beyond direction to follow up and to consider an open meeting to address resident concerns.
