2025-07-01 Regular - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Bacerra thanked Councilmember Lopez for bringing forth the item and asked the City Attorney whether the Chief of Police and the police department enforce the federal law that a federal agent has to identify themselves as an immigration officer who is authorized to execute an arrest, state the individual is being arrested, and the reasoning for the arrest. He spoke in support of SB 627 and SB 805 resolution; however opposed the item brought forward. City Attorney Sonia Carvalho stated that the police department cannot enforce this particular federal law due to circumstances that could lead to obstructing a federal investigation or arrest Mayor Amezcua spoke in support of SB 627 and SB 805 resolutions and asked the Chief of Police whether the department is able to question individuals wearing face coverings to determine if they are federal agents or impersonators and what agencies the department would be assisting. She encouraged the community to reach out to the police department or call 911 if they felt they were being kidnapped and asked how many calls the City has received of possible kidnappings. Police Chief Robert Rodriguez stated it would depend on the circumstances as the department would not to interfere in the middle of an arrest and the challenge being how to approach these types of situations. He stated the police department would assist ICE and Border Patrol for officer safety and that the department had received six (6)calls total regarding possible kidnappings dating from January 9, 2025 until today. Councilmember Lopez requested allowing staff the authority to research whether the ordinance can be executed within the City without obstructing federal law. Councilmember Penaloza thanked Councilmember Lopez for bringing fourth the item and spoke in support of SB 627 and SB 805 resolutions and Congressman Lou Correa's bill regarding federal agents. Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez thanked Councilmember Lopez for bringing forth the item, emphasized keeping employees and the community safe, and spoke in support of the item. Councilmember Phan thanked Councilmember Lopez for bringing forth the item and expressed support for SB 627, SB 805, and Congressman Correa's bill. She stated her opposition to police officers pulling over individuals solely for wearing a mask while in a vehicle, citing First Amendment protections. She asked Chief Rodriguez whether calls reporting possible kidnappings are treated as active kidnapping situations and whether officers' body-worn cameras are activated during such incidents. She also clarified that undercover officers are not required to display visible identification. Additionally, she recommended that the Police Oversight Director and Commission collaborate with the Police Department in addressing and navigating these types of concerns. CITY COUNCIL 29 JULY 1, 2025