Ontario residents press council for sanctuary protections after mayor’s remarks; police say they do not share data with ICE

Dozens of residents told the Ontario City Council on July 1 that recent immigration-enforcement activity has left families in fear and demanded immediate protections, including declaring Ontario a sanctuary city and designating libraries, parks and community centers as 'sensitive locations.' Mayor Paul S. Leon apologized for language he used at a prior meeting and the council directed staff to prepare public education about police procedures and legal limits.

The wave of public comment centered on reports — from gardeners, vendors and residents — that agents identifying themselves as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had detained people without clear identification and, in some cases, on unmarked vehicles. "While ICE terrorizes our streets and detains our neighbors, your response, Mayor Leon, has been denial," said Luis Suarez, a 25-year resident and small-business owner. "Ontario deserves better." Suarez and many others called for the city to adopt policies that protect residents from federal enforcement activity.

Several advocacy groups and residents proposed concrete steps. Javier Hernandez, executive director of the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice, asked council to formally restrict ICE access to city facilities, publish clear internal protocols for staff, and partner with immigrant-rights organizations to distribute resources. "We need spaces within the city to be sanctuary spaces where people can seek shelter if ICE is in our community," Hernandez said.

Other speakers emphasized public-safety consequences and asked the police to verify credentials when individuals claim to be federal agents. "Criminals exploit fear by pretending to be federal agents," Michael Rios said. "I'm asking you to publicly request that Ontario PD verify credentials and intervene when anyone attempts unauthorized detentions in our city."

Ontario’s Police Chief responded from the dais that the department will verify identities and urged residents to call 911 or the Ontario Police Department when they suspect impersonation or an unlawful detention. The chief said the California Values Act (SB 54) prevents local law enforcement from acting as immigration agents and stated, "We do not share information with ICE." He urged residents to report incidents so OPD can investigate and confirm identity and authority.

Multiple speakers said they had been frightened by a recent arrest of a gardener and by reports of masked officers approaching people in public. "They don't announce who they are, they act with impunity," said Ashley Rodriguez, a resident who represents vendors. Advocates asked that the council publish information about residents' rights, post resources and legal assistance, and adopt non-cooperation or non-sharing policies if legally permissible.

Some speakers defended the mayor. Paul Michael Leon, who identified himself as the mayor’s son, told the council his father was trying to reassure a frightened 14-year-old at an earlier meeting and said the mayor's intent was to offer comfort. Stephanie Castarena, another speaker, described Mayor Leon as compassionate and urged the public to consider his longtime community work.

Mayor Paul S. Leon addressed the crowd near the meeting’s close: "I take responsibility for what I said and for hurting you. I'm sorry," he said, acknowledging that his remarks had been received as dismissive by many residents. The city attorney then explained that, under the Brown Act, the council may direct staff to research or return with proposals. Council members agreed to give staff direction to develop an education effort explaining what the Ontario Police Department can and cannot do under state law and to gather options for further action.

No formal ordinance or policy was adopted at the meeting. The council’s direction to staff was procedural: to assemble information and educational materials and return with recommendations. The meeting was adjourned after several hours of public comment.

What happens next: City staff will prepare outreach and education about OPD procedures and legal constraints, and council will receive options for possible protective policies at a future meeting. Residents who asked for sanctuary-city designations said they will return to press for formal policy changes if staff recommendations do not meet their requests.