Residents press Downey council on ICE detentions and immigrant safety during public comment
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Summary
Multiple speakers raised concerns about recent ICE activity near the courthouse and allegations of racial profiling; councilmembers reiterated limits under state law and offered information resources but took no formal action at the meeting.
Several Downey residents used the public‑comment period to press the council for answers about recent ICE activity and racial profiling, asking what the city could do to protect residents and to clarify the limits of local authority.
Delia Espinosa, a student, described an incident in which "a 15 year old was detained by ICE on Californian soil heading to school," and asked what steps the city would take to protect immigrant residents funded by Measure D. "Are the Downey Police unfamiliar with their obligation to protect the various citizens funding this measure?" she asked. Staff and council noted Measure D (a quarter‑cent sales tax) had passed on Nov. 5, 2024 and is intended to fund local public‑safety services.
Other speakers described personal experiences: Eduardo Sandoval said he had been racially profiled and that prior complaints had not been addressed to his satisfaction; Zion Chu, a Warren High School student and youth‑advocacy leader, asked "to what extent has the city looked into this incident, and were any violations made by the federal agency?" and requested clarity on legal measures available to the city.
Council members responded with legal context. Councilwoman Dorothy Pemberton summarized guidance from a recent California Contract Cities presentation and cited state limitations on local enforcement of federal immigration actions, referencing sanctuary‑law protections (described in the meeting as Senate Bill 54). Pemberton said the sheriff’s office will respond to calls for help and reiterated that local law enforcement does not enforce federal immigration law in a manner inconsistent with state law. She provided resources for locating detainees (ICE intake email and a national phone line) and said the council will continue to identify any actions that are permissible under law.
No formal direction, motion or investigation by council was initiated during the meeting. Council and staff said they would keep the public informed about available resources and legal constraints but described no new policy or program at this session.
