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Residents press Ontario council for outreach and protections after ICE activity; city posts immigration resources
Summary
Multiple residents urged the City Council to expand outreach, enforce facility protocols and consider sanctuary policies after reported ICE activity; the city has posted an immigration‑resources page in English and Spanish but commenters said more outreach to residents without internet is needed.
Residents addressed the Ontario City Council with repeated concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in town and asked for stronger outreach and protections for affected families.
Fourteen‑year‑old Mariana Lamele told the council she and friends are living in fear and thanked those who protested recent ICE activity. "How will you all reach out to the community and provide the support that is greatly needed?" she asked, urging daytime outreach and direct community contact beyond the new web resources.
Martha Aragon described reports of masked agents near local businesses and called the situation a "humanitarian crisis." Aragon told the council she was "working this council to take formal steps toward designing Ontario as a sanctuary city," saying the designation would not require breaking federal law but would signal the city’s values.
Gabriela Rubio, who said she has lived in Ontario for more than 10 years, thanked staff for creating an immigration‑resources webpage in English and Spanish but said: "This is a good first step, this is not enough," and urged the city to reach residents who lack internet access.
Speakers requested practical support — for example, ensuring food access and partnering with nonprofits for distribution — and asked how the city would enforce local guidelines requiring ICE agents to provide identification and warrants before entering city facilities.
Councilmembers and staff acknowledged the webpage and invited follow‑up: the City Manager and staff said they would coordinate community meetings and outreach with law enforcement and nonprofit partners to improve access and communication.
No formal policy change was adopted at the meeting; councilmembers instead heard public comment and directed staff to follow up with community groups and relevant departments.
