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Jurupa Valley adopts resolution restricting use of city property by masked federal agents and urges transparency
Summary
The council unanimously approved a resolution asking federal agents not to conceal identities during local operations and restricting use of city property or resources to stage enforcement operations; immigrant-rights groups and residents described fear from masked operations and the sheriff described local verification procedures.
The Jurupa Valley City Council unanimously approved a resolution on Jan. 15 urging federal law‑enforcement personnel to refrain from wearing masks or otherwise concealing identity during operations in the city, to use properly identified vehicles, and not to use city property or resources to stage enforcement actions.
The resolution — drafted following reports of masked, armed individuals appearing in neighborhoods — also asks local agencies to notify the city when large federal operations occur. Councilmember comments and public testimony emphasized fear among immigrant families and students; multiple community‑based organizations urged the council to send a clear message that the city will not facilitate operations that terrorize residents.
Armando (councilmember) recalled an October incident in the Sky Country neighborhood in which masked people portraying themselves as warranting officers entered a home, tied up occupants and robbed the residence; councilmembers described that event and similar incidents elsewhere as part of what motivated the resolution.
Local immigrant-rights and civil‑liberties groups — including the Inland Empire Immigrant Youth Collective, the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice and the ACLU Inland Empire — spoke in favor of the resolution, saying masked operations have caused fear and reduced school attendance and economic participation.
Riverside County Sheriff’s Office lieutenant Scholte told the council that deputies respond when notified, verify whether federal agents are present and have lawful authority, and remain on scene when federal action is happening. He urged residents who see masked persons conducting enforcement activity and are unsure to call 911 immediately.
The resolution passed 5–0. It is largely symbolic — the city cannot control federal action — but it also removes permission for federal agencies to use city property or resources to stage operations and asks local agencies to report large federal actions to the city.
