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Lakewood City Council issues unanimous declaration expressing concern about federal immigration enforcement actions
Summary
Councilors unanimously cosponsored and read a city declaration expressing concern about reported deaths and enforcement practices linked to federal immigration actions; the declaration calls for protecting residents' constitutional rights and continued local engagement. Community members gave extended testimony both urging action and describing fear.
The Lakewood City Council on Feb. 23 read and unanimously cosponsored a declaration expressing concern about recent federal immigration enforcement actions and their effects on community trust and safety.
Councilor Ken Cruz introduced the declaration, which cites reports of loss of life connected to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions elsewhere and stresses the city's role in protecting residents’ constitutional rights and access to services. The declaration names several individuals whose deaths and circumstances were mentioned in the draft text and calls for "thorough, fair, and transparent investigations." It also states the council’s intent to continue policy discussions that prioritize de‑escalation, transparency and the protection of civil liberties.
Public comment preceding and following the declaration was extensive and often emotional. Several residents and community organizers urged the council to move beyond a symbolic statement to concrete action, citing concerns about warrantless searches, the use of force, increased ICE presence and the human impacts of enforcement actions. Joey Steele urged the council to demand Lakewood Police protect residents from ICE actions and to pursue stronger local measures; other speakers implored the council to hold town halls and deepen community outreach.
Council members described the declaration as a first step and added their names to the document during the meeting. Several councilors said they supported further engagement, including participatory town halls and follow‑up policy work to ensure residents can safely access city services and report crime without fear.
