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Residents urge Bakersfield to consider sanctuary-city status, volunteers describe aid for released detainees
Summary
Speakers at public comment urged Bakersfield to become a sanctuary city and described volunteer efforts helping released immigration detainees, with one volunteer saying her group has helped over 700 people since January.
At the Aug. 5 Bakersfield City Council meeting, Serenity Hansford urged council members to support Bakersfield becoming a sanctuary city, saying she recently learned more about the policy and that “I think that it is the least we can do for, the community that is being affected by ICE.”
Ellen Schaufhauser, who identified herself as a volunteer with Valley Watch Network, said volunteers assist people released from the nearby immigration office and told the council the group's work prevents a rise in homelessness. “We've helped over 700,” she said, adding that volunteers help people travel home to cities including Miami, New Jersey and New York.
Council members did not take action on the sanctuary-city request at the meeting. The council’s public‑comment rules and new telephonic participation process were reiterated at the start of the meeting; no agenda item proposing a sanctuary‑city ordinance was on the published agenda, and speakers were advised the non‑agenda comment period carries a specific time allotment.
