Astoria City Council adopts Resolution 25-41 condemning aggressive federal enforcement tactics

Astoria City Council voted unanimously Dec. 1 to adopt Resolution 25-41, a statement condemning the use of aggressive immigration-enforcement tactics such as unmarked vehicles, masked agents and personnel without visible identification.

Director Dart McLean told the council the resolution drew on language used by nearby jurisdictions and was drafted with input from the city attorney. Chief Stacy Kelly reported that a regional enforcement action at a local Walmart earlier that day involved agents in unmarked vehicles with emergency lights and agents wearing vests and masks; “From what I’ve seen, they did have masks on as well ... they were clearly identified as ICE agents,” Kelly said. The chief said two people were taken into custody and that local dispatch and county law enforcement had not been notified before or after the action.

Residents urged the council to act. Norma Hernandez, who described community stress, said two detained workers were “picking groceries to go delivered,” and called the detentions “a fact.” Council members described the resolution as a first step and signaled interest in further legal and policy options. Councilor Mozzarella moved to adopt the measure; Councilor Davis seconded. A roll-call vote recorded Aye from Councilors Davis, Mozzarella, Adams and Mayor Fitzpatrick; the motion carried and the council read Sections 1–3 aloud before finalizing the document.

The resolution reaffirms previous council actions recognizing immigrant contributions (Resolutions 17-03 and 20-22) and declares a city policy to prioritize enforcement of local ordinances and protect constitutional rights. The council recorded the resolution as adopted and it will be attested by the city manager and signed by the mayor.