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Cudahy council introduces sanctuary ordinance limiting city assistance to federal immigration enforcement
Summary
After sustained public comment and advocacy from immigrant-rights groups, the Cudahy City Council introduced an ordinance to prohibit use of city resources for federal immigration enforcement and tighten protections around residents’ sensitive data; council voted unanimously to introduce the measure by title.
The Cudahy City Council on first reading moved forward with an ordinance designed to restrict city involvement with federal immigration enforcement and limit collection and sharing of residents’ sensitive information.
The draft ordinance, introduced as item 14C (ordinance number "7 66") would add chapter 1.25 to the Cudahy Municipal Code to prohibit use of city resources for immigration enforcement, bar certain inquiries about immigration status, and require city vendors to report data‑sharing practices. City Attorney staff described the draft as shaped by prior council direction and legal review.
Speakers from local advocacy organizations urged adoption. "I'm here in strong support for agenda item 14C and urge you to pass a sanctuary ordinance," Stephanie Tapia, communications and policy manager at Alliance for a Better Community, told the council during public comment. Resident Luis Coronado said enforcement activity has kept people from continuing livelihoods: "People are scared even to go out to sell food…That's our livelihood to pay our rent." Beatriz Gonzalez, a registered nurse and SEIU 721 member, described residents deferring medical care out of fear and told the council the ordinance could "help alleviate some of the fear, in addition to building trust with members of our community." Shuming Chiu of the California Immigrant Policy Center said the proposal would protect information and access to services by not collecting immigration‑related data.
Councilmembers expressed support for the measure and for community outreach to ensure residents know the protections exist. Council Member Gomez thanked community partners and said the step helps send a clear message that "we do not want ICE here." Mayor Doctor Gonzales said she looked forward to voting for the ordinance.
The council waived full reading and introduced the ordinance by title only; the clerk recorded a unanimous roll‑call in favor. The ordinance will return for a subsequent reading and final action in a future meeting.
What happens next: staff will prepare the ordinance for second reading and the council and community groups plan outreach to explain the new rules and procedures if the measure is adopted.
