Residents urge Baldwin Park to act on ICE encounters, transit communication and potential data‑center proposals

Multiple residents raised community‑safety and quality‑of‑life concerns during public comments at the Baldwin Park City Council meeting on Feb. 4.

Library and outreach: Irma Morales of LA County Libraries outlined library programs for February, including senior wellness sessions, Lunar New Year activities and free or low‑cost tax‑preparation assistance for households earning under $60,000. Council and staff agreed to increase targeted outreach (flyers, marquee postings and neighborhood bulletin boards) so seniors and residents without internet access are aware of programs and events.

Transit and sidewalks: Resident Cindy Rubio described problems in the Walnut Creek area where many seniors lack internet access; she asked the city to post notices when transit routes change and to install awnings at bus stops to shield people from sun exposure. Staff agreed to follow up and to check the status of benches and awnings as part of ongoing outreach.

ICE and public‑safety concerns: Lynn, a recent resident, recounted witnessing a vendor’s severe distress after hearing ICE was operating nearby and asked what the city would do to protect residents if federal agents conducted local operations. Councilmembers repeatedly expressed support for residents “regardless of immigration status” and asked police and the city attorney to prepare written guidance for the public clarifying what local law enforcement can and cannot do in encounters involving federal agents, consistent with state law.

Data centers and land‑use preemption risk: Mark Ornelas, a land‑use attorney and Baldwin Park native, urged the council to act proactively so the city is not left with limited options if an application for a data center arrives. He recommended the city consider zoning changes or a temporary moratorium and asked the city attorney to prepare options for consideration.

Council response and next steps: Mayor Daniel Damien and staff committed to targeted outreach (marquee, flyers) for the Greenway grand opening and other events; council asked staff and legal counsel to return with options for a data‑center moratorium or other regulatory tools and to provide clear guidance about the police department’s duties in cases involving federal immigration enforcement.

Quote: "We fully support and we fully stand behind all of our residents in this community regardless of immigration status," Mayor Daniel Damien said while acknowledging staff would prepare follow‑up direction to staff on ICE concerns.

Ending: Council directed staff to prepare outreach plans for seniors, to report back on bus‑stop improvements, to return options for land‑use measures related to data centers, and to have PD and legal staff provide clear public guidance on encounters involving federal agents.