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Residents seek clarity from Manhattan Beach police on response to federal immigration operations
Summary
Public commenters asked the City Council and police chief to clarify whether Manhattan Beach Police would assist or bear witness during federal immigration enforcement actions and how residents could tell if federal agents are acting lawfully; officials responded that local policy is not to assist ICE and residents urged stronger public communication.
At the start of public comment, several residents raised concerns about potential federal immigration enforcement in the region and sought clarity about the Manhattan Beach Police Department’s role. Noah Duke Frank (speaker 21) recounted a conversation with a police clerk who said the department "would not help or assist ICE," and asked how residents could be protected if unmarked, badge-less agents detained neighbors. He urged the council, the mayor and the police chief to provide explicit public guidance.
Other speakers, including long-term resident Laura Kiley (speaker 8), echoed the sentiment and asked that the police "bear witness" if federal officers conduct detentions in the city, to ensure lawful procedure and to protect citizens. Several council members thanked the speakers for raising the matter and committed to clarifying departmental policies; the police chief was not asked to make a policy announcement at the meeting.
The concerns were raised during the public comment period and were not the subject of a formal agenda item; the mayor reminded commenters that staff might follow up later, particularly for items scheduled on the evening’s agenda (for example, tree-maintenance issues).
