Commission reviews draft resolution on federal immigration enforcement; public commenter urges stronger separation
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Summary
City staff presented a draft resolution reiterating compliance with the California Values Act and data protections; public commenter from Indivisible Santa Barbara said the draft falls short of fully separating local policing from federal immigration enforcement and raised concerns about surveillance contracts.
The Fire & Police Commission reviewed a draft City Council resolution that staff described as reaffirming the City of Santa Barbara's response to federal immigration enforcement and a commitment to community policing.
Barbara Anderson, representing city staff, said the resolution restates the city's obligations under the California Values Act, proposes protections for personal data collected through city operations and contract partners, restricts the use of city facilities for civil immigration enforcement, and seeks regional collaboration with other California municipalities. "The purpose of the resolution is to reaffirm this Santa Barbara's commitment to community safety and public trust," Anderson said.
Commissioners asked how the department plans to balance de-escalation and public-safety needs when federal agents are present, what training supports those decisions, and whether ICE shares operational details. Chief Gordon explained that decisions are made case by case, that officers are directed to document incidents (body-worn cameras on, reports taken, supervisors present), and that briefing trainings and debriefs are used to guide judgment.
During public comment, Larry Berrent of Indivisible Santa Barbara urged stronger language. "The source of the violence is not coming from the community; it comes exclusively from federal agents," Berrent said, adding that the city has in the past allowed federal agents access to city facilities and uses surveillance technology (he named Flock) whose data may be shared. He told commissioners the current draft "tries to establish the separation, but it fails to do so in the comprehensive manner that's consistent with state policy."
Miss Anderson and department representatives invited feedback and said the resolution will return to City Council; staff indicated the packet is scheduled for council consideration on April 14. Commissioners requested continued agenda coverage and periodic reporting on federal immigration-related interactions and post-incident briefings to improve transparency with affected communities.
