Residents ask Valparaiso council for policy limiting local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement

Multiple residents addressed the council during the public-comment period, urging elected officials to adopt clear policies governing how city resources and surveillance data would be used in coordination with federal civil immigration enforcement.

Carolyn Rodea, speaking for a local advocacy group, asked the council to publicly state policies that protect civil liberties and to investigate what peer cities are doing. "Will you allow ICE on city property?" she asked, and requested a plan that reassures residents and preserves due process.

Jackie Hilbrick, who helped mediate demonstrations in 2020, urged a written policy requiring a judicial warrant before releasing surveillance footage to federal immigration authorities, and asked the council to schedule the issue for formal discussion. "If people are unsure how local resources are used in coordination with federal enforcement, that uncertainty can and will erode trust and participation in the community," she said.

Other speakers, including longtime Valparaiso residents, recounted family histories and urged the council to adopt protective measures and public statements that affirm constitutional rights and restrain local cooperation with federal civil immigration activities. Some speakers emphasized community trust, public-safety implications and the need to avoid chilling effects that could reduce crime reporting.

Mayor responded that, based on city monitoring, ICE presence in Valparaiso has been negligible and that the city's police department has professional standards (CALEA accreditation). He committed to reviewing residents' concerns and said the council would take the comments under advisement for possible future policy action.

No formal motion was made; residents were invited to follow up with the council to request placement on a future agenda.